How to Check Your Transmission Fluid

The transmission in your gasoline-powered vehicle has to stay in top form for smooth shifting between gears, better gas mileage, and improved acceleration on Woodway streets and beyond. Need another reason to keep this part of your car, truck, or SUV in top shape? Transmissions have a lot of moving parts and they’re very complicated components. Therefore, they are notoriously expensive to repair and replace.

As such, you’ll need to know how to check transmission fluid in your vehicle so it can stay lubricated properly and work well for as long as you own your car in Temple. Learn more about this simple car maintenance tip with our guide. We’ll also answer, “How often do you check your transmission fluid?”

How to Check Transmission Fluid Step by Step

See our quick and easy process on how to check transmission fluid for your Gatesville drives:

1. Turn the engine on for a few minutes before checking the transmission fluid. The engine should be warmed up properly. 
2. Make sure your parking brake is on before getting out and opening the hood.
3. Find the transmission fluid dipstick. On front-wheel-drive cars, it’s usually located to the right of the oil dipstick. It’s either red or bright yellow. Check your owner’s manual to be sure.
4. Remove the dipstick. You should see some red or pink fluid on the end of it.
5. Touch the fluid by moving it around between your thumb and forefinger. The fluid should be nearly clear, with a pink hue. If it looks dirty, is opaque, or gives off a burnt smell, it’s time for new transmission fluid in your vehicle.
6. Use a rag to wipe off the dipstick. 
7. Insert it back into the vehicle. 
8. Pull it out again and check the level. If it’s under the “Full” marking, you’ll need to add more transmission fluid to your vehicle.
9. Use a funnel to bring the fluid level up to the right spot. Add some in a little at a time. Be sure not to overfill it. Again, consult with your owner’s manual as to the right kind of transmission fluid you need.
10. Replace the dipstick.
11. You’re done!

Transmission Fluid: FAQs

When Do You Check the Fluid in a Sealed Transmission? 

A sealed transmission has no dipstick, and it’s completely sealed to prevent any transmission fluid from being wasted. Our service team can check the transmission fluid for you. 

Pay attention to these signs that it’s time to replace the fluid in a sealed transmission: 

• You can hear strange noises when the gears change. 
• The gears hesitate before changing. 
• During acceleration, there’s a noticeable delay when the gears shift.

How Often Do You Check Your Transmission Fluid for Best Results?

Check your vehicle’s transmission fluid once a month for the best results. While you’re doing this, check the power steering fluid and engine oil. If you notice a problem, always check the owner’s manual.

How Often Do You Check Your Transmission Fluid: Pro Tips

Look at these pro tips when learning how to check your transmission fluid:

• Not all transmission fluids are the same. There are different types for recent models, manual transmissions, and automatic transmissions. Your owner’s manual will recommend the transmission fluid you need.
• Checking manual transmission fluid will usually require a jack to access a plug located beneath the car. We’re happy to help with this at our service center in Waco.
• If your vehicle hesitates before shifting gears, it might be due to low transmission fluid, but it could be a more serious issue. Schedule service with our team right away.
• Replace your transmission fluid every 50,000 to 100,000 miles. The actual amount depends on your driving habits, type of transmission, and other factors. Again, your owner’s manual will have recommendations.

Contact Us for Transmission Service at Allen Samuels Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram FIAT!

Do you have questions about your vehicle’s transmission or need transmission service? Contact us or call 254-400-2652. We’re happy to help! See how much money you could save with our service coupons.