How to Check Transmission Fluid

Learning how to check your transmission fluid at home allows you to stay on top of your vehicle’s condition and can help prevent issues with the system becoming more serious and more costly to repair. Your car’s transmission is essential for propelling you forward on Manhasset streets. Read on to learn how to monitor your transmission fluid and how often you should check your transmission fluid with Rallye Acura, and don’t hesitate to contact us for transmission repair near Long Island.

Steps for How to Check Transmission Fluid

If you have time to perform DIY car care at your Garden City-area home, learning how to check transmission fluid can be completed in a few simple steps:

1. Have your engine running for a few minutes to ensure your engine is warmed up to properly read the level. Ensure the vehicle is in park and pop the hood.
2. Verify the location of the transmission fluid dipstick by checking your owner’s manual. Typically, it’s located to the right of the oil dipstick on front-wheel-drive cars. 
3. Remove the dipstick and assess the fluid’s condition by rubbing the fluid around between your thumb and forefinger. Transmission fluid should be nearly clear with a pink hue. However, if you notice it looks dirty or gives off a burnt smell, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment for a fluid replacement. 
4. To check the fluid level, wipe off the dipstick with a rag and reinsert it back into the vehicle. Pull it out again to see where the fluid lies. If it doesn’t reach the “Full” marking, you’ll need to add more transmission fluid.
5. Insert a funnel into the fluid reservoir and add fluid to bring it to the correct measurement, taking care to not overfill it. 

If you have any questions when checking your transmission fluid, the Rallye Acura service center is here to help with your transmission repair near Long Island. 

Can You Check the Fluid in a Sealed Transmission?

If you go to check your transmission fluid and find there’s no dipstick under the hood, it’s likely that your vehicle has a sealed transmission. While a sealed transmission doesn’t mean your transmission can’t be accessed, it does mean that there’s no dipstick for you to easily check. It’s a good idea to bring your vehicle into a service center for a check, as attempting to check the level at home can damage your vehicle. When you bring your car in for service, our technicians will gladly check your transmission fluid level. 

Signs to Check the Fluid in a Sealed Transmission 

If your vehicle is equipped with a sealed transmission, it’s able to save you money in the long run as it limits the amount of wasted transmission fluid. However, issues can still appear that result in a fluid replacement. During your trips around Glen Cove, keep an eye out for these signs that there’s an issue with your sealed transmission: 

• 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?

As you can see, learning how to check your transmission is a simple task you can perform at home, but how often do you check your transmission fluid? On top of your transmission fluid level, you should check other main fluid levels of your car monthly. The specific maintenance schedule for checking transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and engine oil is found in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. 

Transmission Fluid Tips

As one of the most complex parts of your vehicle, it’s a good idea to keep these other tips in mind before checking your fluid: 

• Transmission fluid varies depending on the type of model and whether it’s a manual or automatic transmission. Your owner’s manual also recommends the type of transmission fluid for your vehicle. 
• A manual transmission may require a jack to access a plug located beneath the car. It may be more convenient to visit our service center for a transmission check. 
• Low transmission fluid can also be why your vehicle hesitates before shifting gears. Check the fluid level first, and if it is filled properly, schedule service to diagnose the issue. 
• It’s recommended that you replace transmission fluid every 50,000 to 100,000 miles. This range can vary depending on your driving habits, type of transmission, and other factors.

Explore Service Tips with Rallye Acura!

For your transmission repairs near Long Island, Rallye Acura is here with certified technicians and available service specials, so you can save on your next visit. If you’re interested in more ways you can stay connected to your vehicle’s care, explore more of our service tips and tricks.