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

Transmission fluid ensures the protection, proper operation and performance of your vehicle's gearbox transmission. Whether the transmission is manual or automatic, it still needs transmission fluid to operate normally. It's an integral part of the vehicle's operation, essentially working as the transmission system's lifeblood. A healthy transmission requires regularly checking and changing the fluid.

Step 1: Locate the transmission dipstick

The owner's manual will indicate if the car has a fluid dipstick, its location and how to operate it. In some newer vehicle models, especially manual vehicles with sealed transmissions, you might not be able to perform this yourself.

The dipstick is located near the transmission. Most rear-wheel-drive cars have the transmission system toward the back of the engine. Drivers of most front-wheel-drive cars can find it connected to the transaxle at the front of the engine. The owner's manual is more precise about the location of the transmission.

Step 2: Prepare to check the fluid

Consult the owner's manual to confirm whether the transmission needs to be warm or cold before checking the fluid. Put the vehicle in park gear on a level surface. We recommend bracing the car's wheels using chocks to prevent forward or backward movement for extra safety. Parking on a slope can also affect the level of the transmission fluid reading, giving inaccurate figures before, during or after topping off the transmission fluid.

Step 3: Pull out the dipstick

Most fluid dipsticks are easy to pull out with minimal effort as they're held in their tubes by a simple plug. However, some transmission dipsticks must be unscrewed or have a latch displaced before they can be removed. Again, consult the owner's manual on how to unsecure the dipstick before removing it from your vehicle.

Once unsecured, you can remove the dipstick by gently pulling it out without coming into contact with any other surface. Continue with this careful maneuvering until the whole component is separate from the rest of the vehicle's body.

Step 4: Wipe and reinsert the dipstick

Transmission fluid may already be on the dipstick immediately after it's removed. You can use a clean paper towel to wipe off the fluid on the dipstick. It's always recommended to take the test at least two times to get a more accurate reading because the fluid may have gotten on the dipstick when the vehicle was on an unbalanced surface or when the fluid level was higher.

After cleaning the dipstick's surface, reinsert it back into its tube. Ensure full insertion of the dipstick in its tube or sleeve. Completely inserting the transmission dipstick helps it reach the current fluid level.

Step 5: Pull out the dipstick and read it again

The fluid should be within the optimal levels indicated on the dipstick and vehicle manufacturer's manual. The transmission dipstick usually has markings indicating the full and low fluid levels, whether the transmission is cold or warm. Some have notches or hashed-out areas to indicate the maximum and minimum fill levels, while labeling on others indicates the type of fluid in the transmission. Too high or low levels are not optimal, while no transmission fluid is critical.

Examining for any unusual color or smell

Automatic transmission fluid is usually thinner and has a red color. However, depending on the manufacturer, the automatic transmission fluid can also be amber, purple or blue/green. Manual transmission fluid is typically thicker and darker, has a strong smell, and is amber or brown.

The owner's manual should indicate the type, color and level of the transmission fluid that's considered optimal for the vehicle. A dark transmission fluid color shouldn't necessarily be alarming. However, a deep brown or black color and a completely opaque fluid with a burnt smell indicate your transmission fluid requires an immediate change.

Maintaining your transmission fluid

Just like engine oil, maintaining the fluid is essential for properly operating the transmission and the vehicle. Refill the transmission system with the correct fluid type and, per the manufacturer's guide, when the fluid level is low or depleted.

Regular check-up schedule

With the exception of "filled-for-life" transmissions, the frequency of changing the transmission fluid or performing a transmission flush varies with each manufacturer and the modifications made to the vehicle. Changing transmission fluid or topping it up is easy and takes little time.

Recommended frequency for checks and changes

Ideally, monthly checks are reasonable during regular car maintenance. Most manufacturers recommend changing the transmission fluid after every 30,000-60,000 miles for manual vehicles and 60,000-100,000 miles for automatic models.

For heavy-duty vehicles, manufacturers recommend changing the fluid every 15,000 miles for manual vehicles and 30,000 miles for automatic vehicles.

Records of maintenance

Always note when changing the transmission fluid in the maintenance checklist. Recordkeeping helps maintain a regular checkup frequency.

As per the manufacturer's guide, routine maintenance records show when a professional mechanic should perform a full transmission service on the vehicle. The records indicate when to have a transmission flush, service the cooling system or change the filter.

Tips for prolonging transmission life

Prolonging the transmission life is one of the most effective ways of extending its life and usability. These tips should help ensure the transmission's extended life span throughout its usability.

• Check the transmission fluid.
• Have a service team regularly service the transmission.
• Service the cooling system.
• Use the correct and healthy transmission fluid for the vehicle.
• Do routine inspections for the transmission's health.
• Don't ignore warning signs, such as the check engine light, a transmission fluid leak, difficult gear shifting, a burning smell when driving, grinding noises, delays between gear shifts, no gear shift and slipping gears.

Driving habits that protect your transmission

Follow these driving tips to get the most out of the transmission system:

• Warm the car before driving in cold weather.
• Consider a transmission cooler when driving in hot climates or doing heavy-duty work with the vehicle.
• Drive gently; hard acceleration wears down the transmission.
• Don't load the vehicle beyond its capacity.
• Engage the proper gear when driving.

• Avoid excessive brake boosting or revving.

Importance of regular vehicle maintenance

Regular vehicle maintenance is vital for many purposes. Some of the reasons why regular vehicle maintenance is essential include the following:

• Increased durability
• Improved performance
• Increased operation safety
• Reduced repair costs
• Increased fuel economy
• Reduced depreciation value, which increases the resale value of the car

Recap of key points on checking and maintaining transmission fluid

The importance of transmission fluid can't be understated. Maintaining good fluid levels and changing the old fluid with healthy transmission fluid is crucial. The manufacturer's manual is a good reference for finding the correct vehicle transmission fluid. It also provides schedules for routine transmission maintenance.

Maintaining good transmission health helps avoid extensive and expensive repair costs while improving performance and durability.

The impact of proper maintenance on vehicle performance and longevity

Proper maintenance keeps vehicle components in optimum condition for maximum performance. It reduces the chances of damage to critical vehicle components, ensuring safety for both drivers and other road users when operating the vehicle.

Proper maintenance reduces vehicle downtime and premature part downgrades, improving the overall driving experience and prolonging the vehicle's life span.