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!
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 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.
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.
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.
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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