How To Check Your Transmission Fluid

Your vehicle simply can’t run properly without clean transmission fluid working to optimize efficiency and lubricate engine components. When the fluid gets low or becomes contaminated, your engine won’t work properly and the risk of facing expensive repair costs increases.

You can always schedule maintenance at our Lakewood service center, but learning how to check your transmission fluid is straightforward enough to turn this into maintenance work you can easily take care of at home.

Your Step by Step Guide to Checking Transmission Fluid

If you want your vehicle to keep running in prime condition between Lakewood and Toms River, simply follow these steps:

• Turn on your car and wait until the engine is warmed up.
• Locate the transmission fluid dipstick. It’s usually to the right of the oil dipstick.
• Pull out the dipstick and rub some transmission fluid between your thumb and forefinger. It should be clear with a pinkish hue. If it’s discolored, appears dirty, or smells of burning, the fluid needs replacing.
• Wipe the dipstick, then slowly reinsert it before pulling it out again to check the level isn’t below the ‘Full’ marking.
• If your transmission fluid needs topping up, use a funnel to slowly add more. Remember to keep checking to avoid overfilling.

Answers to Common Transmission Fluid Questions

• How Often Do You Check Your Transmission Fluid? It’s best to do this monthly at the same time you check your power steering fluid and engine oil.
• What Type of Transmission Fluid Should You Use? Not all transmission fluid is the same, so check your owner’s manual to ensure you pick up the right type for your specific make, model, and year.
• How Do You Change Fluid in a Manual Transmission? Manuals often require the use of a jack, so best leave this to our service professionals.
• How Can You Tell Fluid Needs Changing? There are many signs, but the most easily detectable is hesitation before shifting gears.
• How Often Should You Change Your Fluid? It depends on your transmission type, driving habits, and a few other factors, but between every 50,000 to 100,000 miles.

Look to Honda Universe for Car Maintenance Tips and Tricks

Now that you know how often to check your transmission fluid, whether you need to order parts for your Manahawkin project, jump-start your car battery, or if you need to learn how to replace your Honda key fob battery, we’re always happy to help. Feel free to contact us today for any further assistance.