The transmission is one of the most important parts of your car. There are gears inside that control the movement and speed of your car, and those gears need to be properly lubricated. Normally, you shouldn't have to add transmission fluid, but it is always a good idea to check the fluid level regularly and add fluid as needed. This is a fairly simple process that takes little time and requires no tools.
Park your car on a level surface and apply the parking brake. Leave the engine running.
Lift the hood and prop it open. Locate the transmission fluid dipstick. It may have a red cap or be marked by "ATF" (automatic transmission fluid), and sometimes it will have a silver handle.
Pull out the dipstick and wipe off the end with a rag. Reinsert the dipstick as far as it will go and leave it there for a few seconds. Pull the dipstick out again and look at the tip, which has two lines on it. If the fluid on the dipstick is between the two lines, the level in the transmission is fine. If the fluid registers below the bottom line, you will need to add fluid to the transmission.
Wipe off the fluid on the dipstick and set it aside. Insert a funnel into the dipstick hole. Slowly pour transmission fluid into the hole a little at a time. Reinsert the dipstick and recheck the fluid level. Continue slowly adding fluid and checking it until the level on the dipstick registers between the two lines.
Reinsert the dipstick and close the hood. Shut off the engine.
