How to Check Transmission Fluid

When you know how to check your transmission fluid from your Jackson driveway once a month, you’re taking a step towards preventative maintenance that could protect your car from avoidable damage. The transmission propels your car forward, so you’re not going to get very far if it’s not in tip-top shape. Learning how to check transmission fluid is easy—the Wilson KIA service department’s here to help!

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

Keep moving on Brandon streets when you check your transmission fluid every month. Just follow these steps:

1. Turn the engine on for a few minutes. The engine should be warmed up before you check the level. Make sure your car is in park before getting out.
2. Open the hood and find the transmission fluid dipstick. On front-wheel-drive cars, it’s usually located to the right of the oil dipstick. Your owner’s manual can tell you where it is. If your car has a manual transmission, most likely you’ll need a jack to access the plug underneath the car.
3. Remove the dipstick and touch the fluid, moving it around between your thumb and forefinger. It should be nearly clear, with a pink hue. If it looks dirty or gives off a burnt smell, make an appointment to have the fluid changed.
4. 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.

If you need to add more transmission fluid, use a funnel to bring the fluid level up to the right spot. Be sure not to overfill it. Check your owner’s manual to make sure you’re using the correct transmission fluid.

Checking the Fluid in a Sealed Transmission

If you have a sealed transmission, your car won’t have a transmission fluid dipstick. Don’t attempt to open a sealed transmission to check the fluid; it needs to be checked by a professional. We can do it when you come in for regular maintenance. A sealed transmission saves you money on wasted fluid, but it does leave Ridgeland drivers a bit in the dark about the state of their transmission fluid. You should have it professionally checked if you notice any of these signs:

• You can hear strange noises when the gears change.
• The gears hesitate before changing. This could also be a sign of more serious problems.
• During acceleration, there’s a noticeable delay when the gears shift.

Replace your transmission fluid every 50,000 to 100,000 miles, depending on your driving habits and type of transmission.

Learn More About DIY Car Service with Wilson KIA

Learning how to check your transmission fluid isn’t the only DIY tip you can get from the Wilson KIA service team in Wilson KIA. Check our collection of service tips and tricks for more easy automotive care you can perform at home that’ll save you time and money. We can also help you understand why your car is overheating.