How to Check Transmission Fluid?

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

Here’s the rundown on how to check your transmission fluid in several easy steps:

Steps to Check Transmission Fluid

• Turn the engine on for a few minutes before proceeding, since the engine should be warmed up to properly check the level. Make sure your car is in park before getting out and opening the hood.
• Find the transmission fluid dipstick. On front-wheel drive cars, it's usually located to the right of the oil dipstick. Check your owner's manual if you're having trouble finding it.
• Remove the dipstick and touch the fluid, moving it around between your thumb and forefinger. The fluid should be nearly clear, with a pink hue. If it looks dirty or gives off a burnt smell, take it to a service center for replacement.
• Use a rag to wipe off the dipstick. Then insert it back into the vehicle. Pull it out again and check the level. If it's under the "Full" marking, you'll need to add more.
• Use a funnel to bring the fluid level up to the right spot. Be sure not to overfill it.

How to Check Transmission Fluid in a Sealed Transmission

In some cars, there may not be a dipstick under the hood which means the car is equipped with a sealed transmission. So, what is a sealed transmission? While this doesn’t mean the fluid "can't be accessed," it just means you can’t measure the transmission fluid level like other models. Certain cars come with sealed transmissions in order to limit the amount of wasted transmission fluid and save you money in the long run. Here are a few ways you can know when it’s time to have the fluid replaced 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?

You may also be wondering: “how often do you check your transmission fluid?” A good suggestion is to make it part of your monthly vehicle check along with other essential components like your power steering fluid and engine oil. Always refer to your owner's manual so you’ll have an accurate estimation of when this should be done according to your particular model’s maintenance schedule.

Transmission Fluid Basics

Along with knowing how to check your transmission fluid and how often, here are some other important details to keep in mind during the process:

• Not all transmission fluid is the same, with different types for recent models, manual transmissions, and automatic transmissions. Your owner's manual will recommend a particular type of transmission fluid.
• Checking the fluid on a manual transmission will usually require a jack to access a plug located beneath the car. For most drivers, a visit to our service center near Bayside is more convenient.
• If your vehicle hesitates before shifting gears, it might be due to low transmission fluid. However, it could be a sign of a more serious problem. Check the fluid level first, but if it's fine, schedule service with us today.
• You'll want to 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. Check your owner's manual for a more specific replacement interval.

Have Your Transmission Serviced at North Bay GMC

Now that you know how often to check your transmission fluid, you’ll never miss a beat on Manhasset roads. Bring in your vehicle for expert service at North Bay GMC, and you can save even more on the maintenance you need most with rotating service and parts specials. Check out more helpful service tips and tricks as well as order OEM parts online and have them ready for your next visit. Contact us today to schedule your appointment at our dealership near Flushing!