How to Check Transmission Fluid

Changing transmission fluid

 

You know that you need to check your tires and check your oil, but do you know the proper way to check transmission fluid in Warren? Your car’s transmission helps propel your vehicle forward, which is why it’s so important to maintain the system properly. And luckily, it’s easy for drivers of any skill level to master. Read on to find out how to check and assess your honda transmission fluid levels, how to conduct a Honda transmission fluid oil change, and be sure to contact us at Apostolakis Honda for all of your automotive needs.

Steps to Check Transmission Fluid

Not sure how to check transmission fluid? Just follow these steps:

  1. Turn off the engine to let the car warm up. This helps you take a more accurate reading.
  2. Turn off the engine and put your car in park to start.
  3. Look for the transmission fluid dipstick. Look to the right of the oil dipstick on a front-wheel drive vehicle. If you can’t find it, check your owner’s manual for a detailed diagram.
  4. Remove the dipstick and touch the fluid with your fingertips. The fluid will be almost clear with a pinkish hue. If it appears burnt or feels dirty to the touch, plan for a trip to the service department.
  5. Wipe off the dipstick with a rag and place it back into the reservoir. Pull it out one more time and look at the level.
  6. If your fluid level is under the “Full” marking, add more fluid with a funnel. Do not overfill.

Checking the Fluid in a Sealed Transmission

If you can’t find a dipstick under the hood of your vehicle, you might wonder how to check the transmission fluid. When a dipstick can’t be located, that generally means your vehicle has a sealed transmission. While sealed, that doesn’t mean that it’s impossible to check the transmission fluid, it just means that a professional will be needed. Don’t attempt to check your transmission fluid if you have a sealed transmission – you may end up damaging your vehicle. Instead, visit us in Cortland where our team can check it for you and answer all of your questions like “how to know what transmission fluid to use?” and more!

When to Check Transmission Fluid in a Sealed Transmission

At this point, you might wonder why a transmission needs to be sealed in the first place. The purpose of a sealed transmission is to limit the amount of fluid that gets wasted. This will save you both time and money in the long run. Even with a sealed transmission, a check on the transmission fluid is necessary from time to time. Keep an eye out for the following signs that there’s an issue with your sealed transmission:

  • Strange noises when you shift gears
  • Gears hesitate before shifting
  • Delay in gear shifting as you accelerate

How Often Do You Check Your Transmission Fluid?

When should you check your transmission fluid? Roughly once a month, it’s a good idea to head out to the garage and check all of your fluids. That includes your Honda transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and engine oil. Your owner’s manual is a great resource if you’re unsure of how to check these fluids.

Transmission Fluid Basics

How often do you check your transmission fluid? What type should you use? Check out our top tips for maintaining your transmission system in Boardman:

  • Wondering how to know what transmission fluid to use? Transmission fluid differs from model to model, so check your owner’s manual to be sure that you have the correct formula.
  • Checking a manual transmission can be slightly more complicated than checking an automatic. You may need to use a jack to access a plug underneath the vehicle. Schedule your service in Cortland if you’d prefer to let us take care of it!
  • One of the most common symptoms of low transmission fluid is slower gear shifts. But if your fluid levels are fine and you still notice problems, it’s important to get your car checked – it could be a more serious issue.
  • Transmission fluid lasts between 50,000 to 100,000 miles, but this figure varies depending on a number of factors: your transmission type, your driving style, and other variables. Your owner’s manual is a good place for more information.

Get Quality Car Care with Apostolakis Honda

Whether you need to pick up new transmission fluid at our parts department or schedule a service with our technicians, Apostolakis Honda is your one-stop-shop for all your automotive needs. We’re here to offer tips and tricks so you can understand how to know what transmission fluid to use and more! Contact us with any questions! Or if you’re in the Youngstown area, you’ll find us at Cortland.

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