How to Know if Your Car Needs Transmission Fluid

1. Your car is slipping gears

If your car is slipping gears, it’s a sign that your transmission fluid is low or dirty. When the fluid is low, there’s not enough lubrication to keep the gears engaged properly. When the fluid is dirty, it can clog the transmission’s filters and valves, which can also lead to slipping gears.

2. Your car is hesitant to shift

Another sign that your car needs transmission fluid is if it’s hesitant to shift. This can be caused by low fluid levels or dirty fluid. In either case, the transmission is not getting the lubrication it needs to operate smoothly.

3. Your car is making strange noises

If you hear strange noises coming from your car’s transmission, it’s a sign that something is wrong. These noises can include whining, grinding, or clunking. In most cases, these noises are caused by low fluid levels or dirty fluid.

4. Your car is leaking transmission fluid

If you see red or brown fluid leaking from your car, it’s a sign that your transmission is leaking fluid. This can be caused by a number of things, including a bad seal or a cracked transmission case. Regardless of the cause, a leak can lead to low fluid levels and transmission damage.

5. Your car has a burning smell

If you smell a burning smell coming from your car, it’s a sign that your transmission is overheating. This can be caused by low fluid levels, dirty fluid, or a slipping clutch. If you smell a burning smell, stop driving your car immediately and call a mechanic.

6. Your car is shuddering or vibrating

If your car is shuddering or vibrating, it’s a sign that your transmission is not working properly. This can be caused by low fluid levels, dirty fluid, or a worn-out transmission. If your car is shuddering or vibrating, take it to a mechanic as soon as possible.

7. Your car is hard to start

If your car is hard to start, it’s a sign that your transmission may not be getting the power it needs. This can be caused by low fluid levels, dirty fluid, or a bad starter. If your car is hard to start, take it to a mechanic to have it checked out.

8. Your car has a high idle speed

If your car’s idle speed is high, it’s a sign that your transmission may not be getting the fluid it needs. This can be caused by low fluid levels, dirty fluid, or a slipping clutch. If your car’s idle speed is high, take it to a mechanic to have it checked out.

9. Your car has a low fluid level

If you check your car’s transmission fluid level and it’s low, it’s a sign that you need to add fluid. You can check the fluid level by looking at the transmission dipstick. The dipstick will have two marks on it, one for the full mark and one for the add mark. If the fluid level is below the add mark, you need to add fluid.

10. Your car has dirty fluid

If you check your car’s transmission fluid and it’s dirty, it’s a sign that you need to change the fluid. Dirty fluid can clog the transmission’s filters and valves, which can lead to a number of problems, including slipping gears, hesitant shifting, and strange noises.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to have your car checked by a mechanic as soon as possible. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to serious transmission damage.