How to Check Transmission Fluid

Why is it so important to know how to check transmission fluid? Inspecting transmission fluid on a regular basis can help you catch small issues before they turn into bigger problems down the road. The transmission is a critical component of your vehicle, and repairs or replacement can be costly. Keeping up with routine vehicle maintenance like checking your transmission fluid can help prolong the life of essential vehicle components. If you are not sure how to check transmission fluid, don’t worry! The team at Holman Toyota has provided a convenient guide below. 

Learn How to Check Transmission Fluid in Five Easy Steps

1. Make sure your vehicle is in park and that the engine is warmed up before proceeding to get an accurate measurement. 
2. Find the location of the transmission fluid dipstick. If you have a FWD vehicle, it is usually placed to the right of the oil dipstick. If you are unsure of its location, you can find that information in your owner’s manual. 
3. Take out the transmission fluid dipstick and touch the fluid. It should appear nearly clear with a pink hue. It will need to be replaced if it looks contaminated or has a burnt smell. 
4. Wipe the dipstick off with a rag and put it back into the vehicle. Take it out once more to check the level. If the level falls below the “Full” marking, additional fluid will need to be added.
5. Use a funnel to carefully add more fluid. 

How Often Should I Check the Transmission Fluid?

The main fluids in your vehicle should be checked on a monthly basis. This is generally a good rule of thumb, but you can check your owner’s manual for additional guidelines from the automaker. Before you add or replace transmission fluid, keep the tips below in mind. 

• Not all transmission fluid is the same. When your vehicle was produced and the type of transmission it has can affect what type is needed. Once again, your owner’s manual should have this information. 
• If your vehicle has a manual transmission, a jack is usually required to access a plug located beneath the car. Leaving this task to our service technicians is recommended. 
• Low transmission fluid could cause your vehicle to hesitate before shifting gears. However, this problem could be more serious and should be addressed by a professional. 
• Transmission fluid should be replaced every 50,000 to 100,000 miles. 

Holman Toyota Makes Vehicle Maintenance Hassle-Free

Now that you know how to check transmission fluid, you may have noticed that your vehicle is in need of additional maintenance. If that is the case, contact us today for more information or set up an appointment at your earliest convenience.