How to Know When Your Car Needs Transmission Fluid
Transmission fluid is a vital part of your car’s drivetrain, and it helps to keep your transmission running smoothly and efficiently. Without transmission fluid, your transmission would quickly overheat and fail, which could lead to expensive repairs. That’s why it’s important to know how to check your transmission fluid level and how to tell when it needs to be changed.
Signs That Your Car Needs Transmission Fluid
There are several signs that your car may need transmission fluid, including:
- Difficulty shifting gears: If you’re having difficulty shifting gears, it could be a sign that your transmission fluid is low or dirty.
- Slipping gears: If your car is slipping gears, it could be a sign that your transmission fluid is low or dirty.
- Leaking transmission fluid: If you see transmission fluid leaking from your car, it’s a sure sign that you need to have it serviced.
- Burning smell: If you smell a burning smell coming from your car, it could be a sign that your transmission fluid is overheating.
- Noise from the transmission: If you hear a noise coming from your transmission, it could be a sign that your transmission fluid is low or dirty.
How to Check Your Transmission Fluid Level
Checking your transmission fluid level is a simple process that you can do yourself. Here are the steps:
- Park your car on a level surface.
- Turn off the engine and allow the car to cool down.
- Open the hood and locate the transmission fluid dipstick. The dipstick is usually located near the back of the engine.
- Pull the dipstick out and wipe it clean.
- Reinsert the dipstick and pull it out again.
- Check the fluid level on the dipstick. The fluid should be between the “full” and “add” marks.
How to Change Your Transmission Fluid
If your transmission fluid is low or dirty, you will need to change it. Changing transmission fluid is a more involved process than checking the fluid level, but it is still something that you can do yourself if you have the right tools and supplies. Here are the steps:
- Gather the necessary tools and supplies. You will need a new transmission fluid filter, a new transmission fluid pan gasket, a transmission fluid funnel, and a wrench.
- Drain the old transmission fluid. To do this, locate the drain plug on the transmission pan and remove it. Allow all of the old fluid to drain out.
- Replace the transmission fluid filter. The transmission fluid filter is located inside the transmission pan. Remove the old filter and replace it with a new one.
- Replace the transmission fluid pan gasket. The transmission fluid pan gasket is located between the transmission pan and the transmission. Remove the old gasket and replace it with a new one.
- Reinstall the transmission pan. Tighten the drain plug and bolts to secure the transmission pan.
- Add new transmission fluid. Use the transmission fluid funnel to add new transmission fluid to the transmission. Add fluid until the level on the dipstick is between the “full” and “add” marks.
How Often Should I Change My Transmission Fluid?
The frequency with which you should change your transmission fluid depends on your driving habits and the type of transmission you have. Most manufacturers recommend changing the transmission fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. However, if you drive in stop-and-go traffic or tow heavy loads, you may need to change your transmission fluid more often.
Conclusion
Transmission fluid is a vital part of your car’s drivetrain, and it’s important to know how to check your transmission fluid level and how to tell when it needs to be changed. By following the tips in this article, you can help to keep your transmission running smoothly and efficiently for years to come.
