How to Check Transmission Fluid

Much like motor oil for your engine, transmission fluid is essential for your transmission to function properly. If you don’t know how often to check your transmission fluid, the numerous moving pieces in your gearbox will start wearing each other out, and it may eventually fail. Knowing how to check your transmission fluid is highly important in order to maintain the health of your vehicle. A failed transmission can total into the thousands and, for some, can equal the total loss of a car. Knowing how to check transmission fluid and top off the levels can help you stay safe and ensure you’re not running into any unexpected issues.

At Hyundai of New Bern, we want to make sure our neighbors in Havelock have all the information they need to keep their cars in good condition. That’s why we offer advice on how to check transmission fluid and how often it should be filled. Should you need assistance, our mechanics in New Bern can help, thanks to our easy online scheduling.

How Often Do You Check Your Transmission Fluid?

Changing transmission fluid for your vehicle is an important yet often overlooked task. It’s important to consult the owner’s manual of your car and follow any recommendations given to ensure proper intervals for transmission fluid replacement. Checking and maintaining the transmission fluid levels is important to maintain a leak-free reservoir and ensure the fluid is healthy. It is highly recommended to do this check at least once a month.

Your Step-By-Step Guide on How to Check Transmission Fluid

Drivers in Newport can carry out their own transmission fluid checks by following a few simple steps:

1. Before you start checking your car’s transmission fluid level, you should put the car in park and turn the engine on for 5 minutes to let it warm up. Transmission fluid needs to be heated up in order to reach its optimal viscosity for an accurate measurement. After this is done, open the hood of your vehicle.
2. The position of a vehicle’s transmission fluid reservoir varies based on the make and model. FWD cars often have it located close to the oil tank, but if you’re having trouble locating it, we recommend consulting your owner’s manual or bringing your car in for our service department to assist. To locate the transmission fluid dipstick, look around the engine bay and identify it. Then, remove it carefully from its position.
3. Dip the dipstick in and take it out to check the transmission fluid. The fluid should be mostly clear with a pinkish hue. You should bring your vehicle in immediately if it smells bad or is discolored.
4. After you check the fluid’s condition, wipe the dipstick with a rag and insert it into the reservoir as far as possible. Then, take it out again.
5. The markings on the dipstick will help you understand the transmission fluid level in your car. If it is below the “Full” notch, simply use a funnel to add more fluid until you reach the optimal level.

If your vehicle has a sealed transmission, regular fluid changes should be done by a certified mechanic. However, modern cars are usually equipped with digital drivers display, which allow you to check the transmission fluid levels without having to physically identify using a dipstick. You may need to change your fluid if you hear strange noises when shifting gears, noticing a delay in gear shifts, or having difficulty accelerating during your Morehead City commute.

Checking the Fluid in a Sealed Transmission

If you can’t find the dipstick beneath your car’s hood, then chances are it is equipped with a sealed transmission. This does not mean that it cannot be accessed but cannot be measured using the dipstick. So what is a sealed transmission? It means there is no dipstick to check the level of transmission fluid, but instead has a plug on the side for removing and adding fluid. A sealed transmission should not be checked for its fluid level as it may cause serious damage. To ensure your car is working properly and running at optimal capacity, our service team will check the transmission fluid level when you bring your car in for service.

Are You In Need of a Transmission Fluid Change?

If a transmission fluid check or change is needed, get in touch with our service department. They can provide all the necessary help, so you don’t have to worry about it yourself. Remember to check our service specials for additional savings.