How to Check Transmission Fluid Level? (5 Easy Steps)

Transmissions are among the most costly parts of your car. Even though they are relatively easy to maintain, it is the most common reason that car owners neglect them. You can take care of your transmission and it will take good care of you. This blog will show you how to check the transmission fluid levels, and other factors that determine if your vehicle requires a top up. 

How do you check the transmission fluid levels?

It is easy to check your transmission fluid. These steps can be completed in 15 minutes if you follow the instructions. 

Low performance can lead to transmission checks. Some people wonder if low engine oil impacts transmission of the vehicle. That’s a question we already answered on the website.

Step 1 It is a good idea to take your car for a spin if your engine is not warm enough. It would take your engine a minimum of ten minutes to warm up. You should shift through each gear at least once to ensure that your transmission has time in each range. This will give you a better reading. 

Step 2 Park your car on a level surface. Once it is in neutral or park, don’t forget to turn off the engine. It should be running. 

Step 3 Look under your hood for the transmission dipstick. If you don’t know where it is, take out your owner’s manual. 

An in-line engine should have the dipstick towards its passenger side. This is much closer to the engine than a rear-wheel driven engine.

It’s a rookie error to mistakenly have found the transmission dipstick instead of the engine-oil dipstick. You should not make the same mistake again. 

Note: If the dipstick for transmission fluid is not found, don’t worry. The latest vehicles have a sealed transmission that doesn’t need to be checked as often. 

These sealed transmissions are only to be checked by professionals who can use computers and electronic devices in garages for fluid level checks. 

Step 4 Rotate the dipstick until you find it. Then, take the dipstick out by hand. Clean the dipstick with a damp rag and return it to the oil pan. Be sure to insert the dipstick correctly until the end. 

Step 5 Remove the dipstick from the pan and verify the fluid level. You should see two marks on the stick, “Max” or “Min”. 

These markings will tell you if your transmission liquid needs to be topped. 

How can I tell if I need to change the transmission fluid?

Transmission is an active component that ensures your engine runs as efficiently and effectively as possible. 

It acts not only as a lubricant, but also as an a cooling agent and assists with the flow power from the engine into the transmission for vehicles with automatic transmission. 

Car owners need to be vigilant about the condition of their transmission fluid in order for it to perform its function. If your vehicle’s transmission fluid checks out all the above-mentioned facts, there is no reason to be concerned. 

This part will require you to get your hands dirty. You don’t want to make your hands smell like motor oils for the rest of the day. 

Consistency

Transmission fluid can become slightly viscous over time. Be sure to check for any particles, including metal shavings or other pollutants, in your transmission fluid. 

If you find metal shavings in your oil, we recommend that your garage replace it immediately.

Colour

Transmission fluid should be red. It will eventually turn darker. It is important to have your fluid tested if it turns brown or black. 

Smell

Many car enthusiasts don’t pay attention to the way their transmission fluid smells. However, this is an important indicator that all is well. You should visit a professional if your fluid smells burnt. This will help determine if there have been any damage to the transmission’s internal components. 

Noise

You should have your oil changed and your transmission checked by a qualified mechanic if you hear any unusual noises while you shift your gear. 

Performance

Performance problems can mean that your car isn’t performing as well as it used. You might notice that your transmission may not be able move the engine’s power effectively. It is time to change your transmission fluid. 

How do you add transmission oil to your home? 

Checking the transmission fluid levels makes it easier to change your transmission fluid. You are halfway through the process if you check the fluid level.

You must ensure you have a funnel to fill the fluid. This will prevent you from spilling it on other parts. 

Different vehicle types can use different transmission fluids. In the owner’s guide, you can find the recommended fluid by your manufacturer. Use only if you have a specific purpose in mind. motor oil instead of transmission fluidTHINK TWICE!!

Step 1 Rotate the dipstick that is located in the transmission fluid pan and then open it. 

Step 2 Dipsticks can be very fragile. Place them on the engine’s side or on the ground. 

Step 3 Attach a long neck funnel to the fluid pan.

Step 4 Pour a little liquid at a time into the dipstick and then check that the level is correct. Add more fluid to the pan if the level is not rising. 

Step 5 Once you reach the desired level, seal the dipstick by putting it back. 

How often do I need to check transmission oil? 

It is a good idea to check the transmission fluid on a regular basis, regardless of how often you use your vehicle. Consider factors like driving style, transmission choice, and weather. 

The fluid should be changed approximately fifty-seventy thousand kilometers.