Why You—Yes You—Need To Check Your Transmission Fluid!

January 21, 2021 | By Mister Transmission

Why You—Yes You—Need To Check Your Transmission Fluid!

Checking one’s transmission fluid is an integral part of vehicle ownership. If you don’t check your transmission fluid regularly, you are not taking the best care of your vehicle. So, check your transmission fluid!

“Do I Need To Check My Transmission Fluid?”

Yes, you do. Automatic transmissions require transmission fluid to operate properly. Without the right level and right quality of transmission fluid, you are damaging your transmission every time you drive. Manual transmissions can also use transmission fluid or transmission oil mostly for lubrication.

“When Should I Check My Transmission Fluid?”

When was the last time you performed a transmission fluid check? If you have to think about the answer for more than six seconds, it has probably been too long. In that case, you should check your transmission fluid right now.

“How Often Should I Check My Transmission Fluid?”

We recommend checking your transmission fluid once a month. Ideally, you will not have to do anything beyond checking your fluid when you do. Transmission fluid should not have to be topped up every month. However, by checking every month, you’re increasing the chances that you can identify the beginning of a transmission problem before it grows into a major transmission problem.

“What am I checking my transmission fluid for?”

You are checking your transmission fluid for two things: quantity and quality. On transmission models with dipsticks, the procedure is simple. First, most models recommend that your vehicle should be running while you check transmission fluid, so turn on your vehicle and make sure it is in park with the parking brake on. Locate your dipstick, wipe it off with a rag, and insert it into the tube where you pour your transmission fluid in. Then remove the dipstick. There is a line on the dipstick. If your fluid level is below that line, it needs to be topped up. If you have to top it up every month, you either have a leak or another problem.

To check for your quality, you need your eyes and your nose. How does the fluid look? Healthy transmission fluid is largely clear with a reddish hue. Now give it a smell. Healthy transmission fluid is largely odourless. If your transmission fluid is opaque and/or foul smelling, something is wrong with your transmission. You should bring it in to a transmission shop for service as soon as possible.

Mister Transmission

Checking your transmission fluid is not difficult if the type of transmission you have has a dipstick.  If not, the vehicle needs to be inspected on a hoist by a Mister Transmission trained professional. We can also investigate any issues you notice with the way your transmission is operating. Please contact us to learn more about our services.

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Customer Reviews
Excellent service. Brian and other...
Navjot Kaur
Excellent service. Brian and other team members were very helpful. They gave honest advice for my vehicle and I can’t thank them enough for saving my thousands of dollars on repair.
Date: March 16, 2024
Website: Google
Amazing customer service! Super friendly!...
Cynicalest T
Amazing customer service! Super friendly! Family owned by mark and son both awesome people!
Date: March 15, 2024
Website: Google
Mark and his staff are...
Ryan Rose
Mark and his staff are the BEST!!! Kind, knowledgeable, transparent. Will gladly take any and all of my future business to him and his exceptional team.
Date: March 15, 2024
Website: Google
Excellent help! Chris had his...
Steve Vandevelde
Excellent help! Chris had his guys test and inspect my transmission for free. Knowing that I preferred to save money by doing as much as possible myself, they gave me all sorts of advice, laying out the pros and cons for my choice. I trust these guys. I recommend this shop.
Date: March 15, 2024
Website: Google
Jamie and the staff went...
DARIN GEAKE
Jamie and the staff went above and beyond to help me get my car fixed. I have a Subaru that was having issues and they spent a lot of time making sure everything was done correctly. Even though they did extra work and got extra parts to make it work, he stuck to his original quote (which btw was almost half of what I was quoted by a different shop). I would recommend Mr. Transmission to anyone!!!
Date: March 15, 2024
Website: Google
Thank you for the great...
Linda Jones
Thank you for the great service we received at Mister Transmission in Barrie. It was exceptional. They made sure the vehicle was at 100% before they let us pick it up. I would recommend them to anyone that needs transmission repairs. All the employees were pleasant and made you feel important. If you had any questions they answered them right away. Great job everyone. Ted and Linda Jones.
Date: March 14, 2024
Website: Google
I needed an expensive repair...
Daniel Zwiercan
I needed an expensive repair but the folks at Mister Transmission helped me save money where I could and did a great job. Thank you.
Date: March 14, 2024
Website: Google
Friendly and efficient, you couldn’t...
Dale Allen
Friendly and efficient, you couldn’t ask for much more from a mechanic.
Date: March 14, 2024
Website: Google
Got my car back fast...
Brenda Kane
Got my car back fast , amazing staff. Thanks Mr transmission!!
Date: March 14, 2024
Website: Google
Great facilities and friendly staff,...
Jack
Great facilities and friendly staff, highly recommend!
Date: March 13, 2024
Website: Google
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