What will transmission fluid do to an engine

Go back to all questions. Click here to update settings. Difference between motor oil and transmission fluid. Not finding the answer to a question like yours? Ask your own question. Ask our experts Have a car maintenance question? Just as your engine uses oil to lubricate and cool its internals, automatic transmissions use specially designed transmission fluid for the same purpose. Conventional automatic transmissions, dual-clutch automatics, and continuously variable automatic transmissions each use a specific type of transmission fluid.

If you're unsure which fluid is used in your transmission, consult your owner's manual; typically, transmission-fluid requirements can be found in the specifications section. You don't need to be a mechanic to gain insight into the condition of your vehicle's transmission—a simple visual check will do.

You'll need to look at the level and condition of your transmission fluid. First, locate the transmission dipstick, which can be found under the hood, in the engine compartment.

Make sure you are locating the transmission dipstick and not the engine-oil dipstick; the transmission dipstick is usually further back in the engine bay, toward the firewall the bulkhead at the front of the cabin. The transmission dipstick is typically marked with a specific color or a transmission symbol.

Note: if you can't find the dipstick, don't be alarmed. Many modern vehicles use a sealed-for-life transmission that never requires checking or fluid replacement—so they don't have a dipstick.

Refer to your owner's manual for your model's specific service schedule and to double-check whether it has a transmission dipstick. If your vehicle has a sealed transmission, you can slam the hood shut and drive. But if your vehicle does have a transmission dipstick, here's what to do next:. With the engine warmed up, leave the car idling in park on a level surface.

Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, replace it slowly, and then pull it back out. Transmission fluid serves three purposes: it lubricates the transmission, cools its parts while the car is operating, and transmits power from the engine to the transmission by providing fluid pressure. Transmission fluid performs similar functions to engine oil, but is designed for a different machine and is thinner, slipperier and less viscous.

Different transmissions require different fluids. Automatic cars take automatic transmission fluids. Manual transmissions can use a wider array of liquids, including motor oil, hypoid gear oil or automatic transmission fluid.

Check your owner's manual to see what your car needs. Eclipse gt guy Eclipse gt guy 91 1 1 gold badge 1 1 silver badge 2 2 bronze badges. Add a comment. Active Oldest Votes. Improve this answer. Featured on Meta. Now live: A fully responsive profile. Related 4. Hot Network Questions. Question feed.