How to Check Transmission Fluid

The transmission propels your vehicle ahead as you drive around every day in Raleigh, so it goes without saying that transmission maintenance is critical. Fortunately, it’s incredibly easy to check transmission fluid in your own driveway near Chapel Hill! In the guide below, our own service team explains how to check transmission fluid, how often to check the fluid, and finally, some quick transmission tips.

Check Transmission Fluid in Five Simple Steps

Follow these steps to learn how to check automatic transmission fluid at home: 

1. Start your car to let the engine heat up for a few minutes, as the engine should be warm when you check transmission fluid. Double-check that the car is in park before turning it back off and exiting to pop the hood.
2. Time to learn how to check transmission fluid with a dipstick; you’ll usually find it just to the right of the oil dipstick, but you can check your owner’s manual if you’re having trouble.
3. Pull the transmission fluid dipstick out and transfer a little fluid to your finger. Rub the fluid around to check the overall quality; it should be translucent with a pink-red hue. If the fluid is dirty or smells burnt, you need to get a fluid flush and replacement at a service center. 
4. Wipe the dipstick off with an old rag, then put it back in its compartment. Pull the dipstick out again to check the fluid level. If the fluid line is below the “full” marker on the dipstick, you need to add more fluid.
5. If adding more fluid, use a funnel to help get a steady, clean pour. Be careful not to add too much. 

How Often Do You Check Your Transmission Fluid?

When should you check transmission fluid? Like all essential fluids in your car, you should check the transmission fluid once per month. As a general rule, the fluids that should be checked monthly include the transmission fluid as well as the power steering fluid and engine oil. But as always, you can also follow the recommendations in your owner’s manual.

What to Know About Transmission Fluid

• There are different types of transmission fluids for different types of vehicles, manual transmissions, and automatic transmissions. Follow the recommended fluid type listed in your owner’s manual.
• Learning how to check automatic transmission fluid is quick and easy. Checking the fluid for a manual transmission? Not so much — you will usually need a car jack to get to a plug underneath the car. Depending on your experience level with DIY maintenance, it’s probably easiest to have a service center check the manual transmission fluid.
• Feeling hesitation during gear shifts? This might be caused by low transmission fluid. If you check the transmission fluid and it’s fine, however, there could be a more serious issue. In that case, you should schedule service right away.
• Transmission fluid should be fully replaced every 50,000 to 100,000 miles, depending on your driving habits, transmission type, and other factors. Always check the owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Check Transmission Fluid in Durham

If you have a manual transmission or you can’t tell whether your transmission fluid is looking good, head to Hendrick Cadillac Southpoint near Cary for trusted service and maintenance! We’re always happy to help and offer useful service tips, like what to do about a shaky steering wheel.