How to Check Your Transmission Fluid

Learning how to check your transmission fluid is an easy way to prevent maintenance issues from getting out of hand. Your vehicle’s transmission is what moves you forward, so proper maintenance of the system is critical. Learning how to check your transmission fluid in your own Royse City garage can increase the value and lifespan of your ride if problems can be detected early.

Not sure how to check your transmission fluid in your new Nissan or used ride? Not to worry, our service team is here to provide you with step-by-step instructions and answer questions like, “How often do you check your transmission fluid?” along the way.

How to Check Your Transmission Fluid: Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps to learn how to successfully check your transmission fluid:

1. Turn on your engine and allow it to warm up for a few minutes before you check your transmission fluid. Double-check that your car is in park before you get out to open the hood.
2. Locate the transmission fluid dipstick. On front-wheel-drive cars, you can usually find it to the right of the oil dipstick. Your owner’s manual will tell you exactly where your dipstick is at if you are having trouble finding it.
3. Remove the dipstick and touch the fluid. Next, move around between your thumb and forefinger. The color should be nearly clear, with a pink hue. If the fluid looks dirty or produces a burnt smell, it needs to be replaced.
4. Use a clean rag to wipe off the dipstick. Insert it back into the vehicle and pull it out to gauge the volume of the fluid. If it’s under the “Full” marking, you will need to add more.
5. Use a funnel to slowly add transmission fluid until you reach the proper level.

Checking the Fluid in a Sealed Transmission

If you can’t locate your dipstick and your owner’s manual doesn’t provide any insight, your vehicle likely has a sealed transmission. A sealed transmission doesn’t mean the transmission fluid can’t be checked, you just can’t do so with a dipstick. If your car has a sealed transmission, do not attempt to check your transmission fluid. An attempt to check your fluid with a sealed transmission can cause damage. Turn the keys over to our expert service team instead, we will be glad to check it out!

How Often Do You Check Your Transmission Fluid?

A sealed transmission is used to limit the amount of wasted transmission fluid, which will save you money in the long run. Despite this efficient innovation, eventually, your transmission fluid will need to be replaced. Keep an eye out for the following signs that indicate an issue with your sealed transmission:

• You hear odd noises when the gears change
• The gears hesitate before they change
• There is a noticeable delay when accelerating as the gears shift

Transmission Fluid Basics

Your transmission is an incredibly important and complex component of your vehicle. Before you pop the hood to check things out, explore the following tips:

• Transmission fluid comes in different forms, be sure to check your owner’s manual to find out the proper type before adding any fresh fluid.
• Checking the fluid on a manual transmission will likely require a jack to access the plug beneath the car. This type of equipment is inaccessible to most Rockwall drivers, so a trip to our Greenville service center is probably more convenient.
• If you notice a hesitation before your vehicle shifts gears, this might be caused by low transmission fluid volume. If the fluid level seems fine, this could be a symptom of a more serious problem. In that case, schedule service with us right away.
• Your transmission fluid should be replaced every 50,000 to 100,000 miles. Since the range varies greatly based on driving habits, transmission type, and more, check your owner’s manual or get in touch with our team for more specific guidance.

Visit Us in Greenville for All Things Auto

Still wondering, “how often do you check your transmission fluid?” for your particular ride? Contact us for individualized information. Our team is here to guide you through your DIY projects in your Commerce garage through our insightful service tips. If you prefer to let the professionals handle your car care, schedule service with us for affordable car care.