How To Check The Transmission Fluid Of A Truck

By Author: Steve Smart
Total Articles: 19
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Vehicles are usually made up of many parts. Each of them must operate properly so as to ensure that it runs properly. One example of these parts is the gear box. When people come across the word gear box, they first think of knob that is move around when the vehicle is being driven. However, it is a very complex system of gears and levers that facilitate movement of all the wheels. Therefore, it is important that it is kept in good condition. That is why one must check the transmission fluid regularly.

The gear system is the part that balances the way power is transferred to the wheels. Without it the vehicle would not be able to move. That is why it is important to ensure that it operates well.

As a driver, it is important to learn how to shift gears. This way you are able to drive the vehicle in any terrain and condition. The low gears are meant for hilly and rugged terrain because they produce more power and are slower, hence ensuring easy driving. On the other hand, the higher gears are used when the road is smooth. They produce more speed and consume lesser fuel.

Knowing how to shift gears helps ...
... save you fuel as well as time and also ensures that you comfortably maneuver through any terrain. Therefore, it is important for every driver to know how to shift gears. In conjunction with this, they also need to learn how to maintain the transmission system.

When the vehicle is mobile, there are many smaller parts that are usually in motion. Some of them are the gear systems. Due to this, there is usually a lot of friction involved. This leads to heating and wear and tear of the parts. Therefore, they have to be replaced frequently, which is very costly.

To avoid this, transmission fluid is used to cool and lubricate the parts. In addition to this, it enables one to easily shift from one gear to another. This reduces the amount of friction, hence ensuring that the parts last longer and work effectively.

When this fluid is put in the transmission system, it coats the different components. This allows them to easily slide over each other, thus reducing abrasion. However, with time it begins to break down and this affects its lubrication and cooling effect.

Apart from that, its volume reduces. This makes its level go too low and can lead to difficult shifting and high temperature in the gearbox. That is why you as a driver should regularly check the level of the fluid and add some more or change it if you find out it is less or impure, respectively.

However, when doing so, you need to ensure that you do not add extra fluid. This can lead to premature transmission. It is important that you make certain that it is just the right amount. This increases the lifespan of your gearbox.

Checking and adding transmission fluid is not a daunting task. Every driver is capable of doing it. Here are the steps you should follow when doing so.

You need to park your truck on a level surface. This makes it easier for you to make the reading. So, you are able to know how much more to add if the level is low.

This procedure usually requires the engine to be at normal temperatures. However, this might not be possible if the vehicle has been parked for long. In that case, you should start the engine and let it reach the normal operating temperature.

When the temperature is right, you should turn off the engine. Open the hood and withdraw the transmission dipstick from the tube. It is located on the passenger side of the engine next to the firewall.

Read the marks on the tip of the dipstick so as to determine the level of fluid. There are usually two marks on it. One reads hot, while the other cold. In some vehicles the two markings read full and add. Ideally, the level should be just under the full or hot mark.

If it is below that level or on the lower mark, then you need to add some more. You can do this by directly pouring the fluid into the dipstick tube. Ensure that you add the right amount to avoid any problems. You can confirm this in the vehicles manual. So, that is how you check the transmission fluid of a pickup truck or other vehicles in general.
Resource: http://www.autowerksofamerica.com/