How to Check Transmission Fluid

Whether you’re moving around Springfield Township in a new vehicle or a used vehicle, car maintenance is important. There are many steps that Union County drivers can take at home to inspect their car and make sure it’s doing ok. Checking transmission fluid is one of these steps: a simple but important task any Union County driver can learn. The service center at Springfield Acura covers how to check transmission fluid below!     

How Often Do You Check Transmission Fluid 

You can check your transmission fluid directly from your Bridgewater garage with minimal effort. Here’s a step-by-step guide: 

• Engine On: You need the engine warm to properly check your transmission. 
• Locate the Dipstick: The transmission fluid dipstick is usually to the right of the oil dipstick. If you’re having any trouble finding it, your owner’s manual can tell you right where it is. 
• Inspect for Quality: Start by taking the dipstick out and rubbing some of the fluid between your fingers. You’re looking for a clear liquid with a slight pink hue. Dirty fluid or a burnt smell indicates that your transmission fluid has become dirty and needs to be changed out. 
• Inspect for Quantity: After you’ve checked for quality, put the dipstick back in, pull it out, and make sure it reaches the “FULL” line. 

So, how often do you check your transmission fluid? Most experts recommend you do so once a month, along with other fluids like oil. 

Checking the Fluid in a Sealed Transmission 

If you’re a luxury car driver in Staten Island, you may not be able to find the dipstick. This is because you could have what’s called a sealed transmission. If this is the case, you actually won’t be able to check the transmission fluid unless you schedule service. 

So, how often do you check your transmission fluid if it’s a sealed transmission? You can’t do this at home, so looking out for warning signs is a must. Here are a few of them: 

• Hesitation when your car is changing gears 
• Noises when gears change
• Delays in gear change when accelerating 

More Transmission Fluid Facts 

Besides “How often do you check your transmission fluid?”, here are some other topics of concern for drivers: 

• Manual Transmission: Manual transmission fluid checks require accessing a part of the car with a jack. This can be an annoying and difficult procedure, so it might be best to just schedule service. 
• Types of Fluid: As there are many types of transmission, there are also many types of transmission fluid. Check your owner’s manual to see which is right for you. 
• Transmission Fluid Replacement: Every 50,000 to 100,000 miles, it’s recommended you replace your transmission fluid. However, driving habits, climate, and more can affect this number.

Get Expert Service and Advice with Springfield Acura  

At Springfield Acura, we want Springfield Township drivers to have vehicles that last. So we provide service tips and how-to videos that cover how to check transmission fluid and more! If you want top quality service or have any questions about DIY car maintenance, contact us today!