How To Check Transmission Fluid

Just like learning to check your motor oil and windshield wiper fluid, learning how to check transmission fluid is a simple maintenance task that can save you lots of stress down the road. Your transmission helps propel your car forward, so you can see why it’s such a vital system for your Henrico commutes! How often do you check your transmission fluid? Find out with us in the guide below and learn what to do if you suspect something is wrong, and be sure to get in touch with the service team at Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Buick GMC Richmond for any questions.

How to Check Transmission Fluid: Standard Transmission

1. Turn on your engine for a few minutes to warm everything up. Park the car and pop the hood.
2. Look for the transmission fluid dipstick. You’ll find it on the right of the oil dipstick on a FWD model, but check your owner’s manual for more specific information for your car.
3. Remove the dipstick and touch the transmission fluid. Move it around and note the color and consistency. It should be clear with a slight pink hue, and it shouldn’t have any burnt smell or gritty texture. That would be a sign to schedule a service appointment.
4. Wipe off the dipstick with a rag and place it back in the reservoir. Take it out again and check the level. If it’s at the “Full” marking, you’re good to go.
5. If your transmission fluid level is low, add more fluid with a funnel. Be sure not to overfill.

How to Check Transmission Fluid: Sealed Transmission

What if you don’t see a dipstick when you pop the hood? You might have a sealed transmission. A sealed transmission is an enclosed system, designed to keep the fluid cleaner for longer. However, it requires specialized tools to check your fluid levels – and you could damage the system if you try to check at home! Just schedule a service visit at Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Buick GMC Richmond to get your transmission fluid checked quickly and easily, and stop by early if you notice the following:

• You can hear strange noises when the gears change. 
• The gears hesitate before changing. 
• During acceleration, there’s a noticeable delay when the gears shift.

How Often Do You Check Your Transmission Fluid?

So, how often do you check your transmission fluid for the best possible results? We recommend checking all of your automotive fluids every month to stay on top of your maintenance. This includes transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and engine oil. We also recommend checking your owner’s manual for more specific guidelines based on your individual make and model.

Transmission Fluid Tips and Tricks

• Automatic transmission fluid is slightly different from manual transmission fluid, and transmission fluid can even vary from model to model. Your owner’s manual will help determine what you’ll need, or you could ask our staff at the parts department.
• A manual transmission vehicle is more difficult to check at home, since you’ll need a jack to access a plug beneath the vehicle. Many Glen Allen drivers prefer to schedule a service appointment for convenience. 
• One of the telltale signs of low transmission fluid is sluggishness when changing gears, but this can also be a sign of something more serious. Check your fluid levels, and then schedule your service appointment to rule out bigger problems.
• Most cars in Goochland will need a transmission fluid change every 50,000 to 100,000 miles. This depends on factors like driving habits, transmission type, and car type.

Schedule Your Next Appointment with Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Buick GMC Richmond

Now you know how often you check your transmission fluid, do you have any questions about DIY or professional maintenance? If so, feel free to contact us at Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Buick GMC Richmond! And if you’re due for a visit, check out our current service offers to save big on your next appointment!