How to Check Your Transmission Fluid

Knowing how to check your transmission fluid is an essential part of being a diligent Raleigh car owner and can even prevent small maintenance issues from snowballing into major issues or a transmission replacement. Considering that your car’s transmission creates the forward power you need to travel all around Durham, the importance of maintaining it cannot be overstated. With that said, you can learn how to check your transmission fluid with the service pros at Hendrick Chevrolet Buick GMC Southpoint down below!

Check Your Transmission Fluid in 5 Simple Steps

1. Before we get started, you should run the engine for a few minutes to warm it up. Just make sure the car is in Park before you exit it to pop the hood.
2. Locate the transmission fluid dipstick. You’ll typically find it just to the right of the oil dipstick on front-wheel-drive cars, but you can check your owner’s manual if you’re unsure.
3. Pull the dipstick out of its holder and pick up some of the fluid on your forefinger, rubbing it against your thumb so you can get a good look at the color. It should be almost clear with a slight pink tinge. If the fluid appears to be dirty or is emitting a burnt smell, you should head to a service center for fluid replacement.
4. Wipe the dipstick clean with a rag, then re-insert it in its holder. Take the dipstick out once more, this time to check the level. If the fluid level is sitting beneath the “Full” marker, you will need to add more.
5. Slowly add more fluid using a funnel to get it to just the right spot. Check the fluid level in-between fillings so you do not overfill it.

Having problems along the way? Call up our service team at 984-666-9887 for expert guidance as you carry out the task at home in Cary.

How Often Do You Check Your Transmission Fluid?

All of your vehicle’s fluids should be checked on a monthly basis; this includes not only the transmission fluid but also the power steering fluid and engine oil. Per usual, you can also check with your owner’s manual for an exact inspection interval.

How to Check Your Transmission Fluid With a Sealed Transmission

Can’t seem to find a transmission fluid dipstick under the hood of your car? No need to worry – your car probably has a sealed transmission. Contrary to what the name might imply, a sealed transmission is not inaccessible, it just means there’s no dipstick you can use to measure the fluid level. That said, it is not recommended to check the fluid of a sealed transmission on your own. Instead, schedule an appointment with a certified service center like Hendrick Chevrolet Buick GMC Southpoint.

When to Check the Fluid in a Sealed Transmission

Why do some cars utilize a sealed transmission? They’re designed to limit the amount of wasted fluid, leading to long-term savings for Chapel Hill drivers. Still, the maintenance of a sealed transmission is just as important as with a standard transmission, and the fluid will eventually need replacing. The following points are red flags that could indicate an issue with your sealed transmission:

• Unfamiliar noises when gears are changing
• Gears hesitate before changing
• You feel a delay when the gears shift to accelerate the transmission

Basic Transmission Fluid Facts

Your car’s transmission is a complex mechanism! Here are some basic facts to understand about it:

• Transmission fluid is not all made the same. There are different types for newer and older vehicles, manual transmissions, and automatic transmissions. Check your owner’s manual to find out what type of fluid your car uses.
• If you’re checking the fluid level of a manual transmission, you’ll probably need a car jack to access a plug that is situated under the car. Most drivers find that it’s most convenient to leave manual transmission service to an expert technician for this reason.
• If your car is hesitating before shifting gears, it could be low transmission fluid, but there are other culprits that may need to be ruled out. Start with checking the fluid level; if it looks fine, you’ll want to head in for service.
• Transmission fluid should be fully replaced every 50,000 to 100,000 miles, depending on your transmission type, driving habits, and other factors. To get an exact number for your car? You guessed it – check the owner’s manual.

Chevy, Buick, GMC Transmission Service Tips

Our dealership is here to keep your Chevy, Buick, or GMC transmission healthy. If you’re looking for transmission service information for a specific GM model — such as the Chevrolet Equinox transmission fluid change cost — call us at 984-666-9887, and our advisors will be happy to help! We can provide a service quote or help you determine if it’s time for a Chevrolet Equinox transmission fluid change.

Turn to Hendrick Chevrolet Buick GMC Southpoint for More Service Tips!

If you have any additional questions about transmission fluid or would like to gather more service tips, don’t hesitate to contact our service center online! Bringing your vehicle in for a Chevrolet Equinox transmission flush soon? Learn about what color your transmission fluid should be with our service technicians, and be sure to check out our service specials before your appointment.