How to Check Transmission Fluids

Do you know how to check your transmission fluid? It's one of the most basic and important aspects of routine maintenance that everyone should know how to do. A simple check can alert you to any telltale signs of trouble and allow you to get your transmission serviced by a professional before bigger problems arise.

For those in the Wakefield, Reading, and Danvers area who are in need of education, the following steps for checking your transmission fluid will help you to become familiar with the process. This way, you'll be that more prepared. Then, learn who to contact if you have any questions or need service. Give our service center a call at 978-739-8850 today!

Your Supplies

Here are the things you'll need:

• A clean rag
• A funnel (only if you need to add fluid)
• Transmission fluid (only if you need to add fluid)

Check your owner's manual for which type of transmission fluid is compatible with your car. Using the wrong fluid can degrade your car's performance or even damage the transmission.

Step 1: Warm the Engine Up

Now that you have everything you need, start the car to let the engine warm up. The goal is to get the fluid at or near the temperature it is when it's being driven. This is because transmission fluid expands as it gets warmer. If you were to check it with the car off, the fluid would be cold and would seem deceptively low. This could lead you to overfill your transmission.

Step 2: Check the Transmission Fluid

First, locate the transmission dipstick. It should be clearly marked. If you have trouble finding it, try looking in the area of the oil dipstick. When you have found it, take it out and use the rag to wipe it off. Then, give the fluid on the rag a quick once-over; there are a few things you'll want to keep in mind:

• How's the consistency? If the fluid is relatively new, it will probably be on the thin side. As it ages, it tends to get thicker. Either consistency is perfectly fine as long as it's clean. Make sure there is no dirt or chunks of debris in the fluid. Be sure to get it changed if it looks dirty. You'll also want to take it in if you see bubbles. This is a sign that you either have too much fluid or the wrong kind of fluid in the transmission.
• What color is it? Healthy transmission fluid ranges from a clear red hue to light brown. It needs to be changed if it's dark brown. If it looks black, it could be a clue that there's a problem with the transmission.
• What does it smell like? The last thing to pay attention to is the smell. Generally speaking, you really shouldn't be able to detect much of a scent from healthy fluid. You're basically making sure it doesn't smell like something is burning, as this is another sign that your transmission needs to be looked at.

If everything looks and smells fine, go ahead and put the dipstick back.

Step 3: Fluid Levels

Take the dipstick back out. There are two lines, indicating the minimum and "full" levels of fluid. Make sure the fluid is somewhere in between the two lines.

Step 4: Adding More Fluid

If the fluid is below the bottom line, place the funnel up to the opening and slowly pour the fluid in. Remember to try not to overfill it. Once you think you've added enough, put the dipstick in and take it out again to make sure the fluid is between the lines.

Call Ira Subaru for Transmission Service

Be sure to consult an automotive technician if you have any questions about the steps outlined above. If you're in Wakefield, Reading, or Danvers and would like to have your transmission looked at, contact us at Ira Subaru to schedule a service appointment.