How to Check Your Transmission Fluid at Home

Checking your car’s transmission fluid on a regular basis can alert you to minor issues before they become major issues. Luckily, the steps to check your transmission fluid from your home in Williston are very simple! Save yourself a trip down the service lane and learn how to check your transmission fluid with the Ryan Chevrolet service team down below.

5 Steps to Check Your Transmission Fluid

Before getting started, grab a rag and have a funnel and some extra transmission fluid at the ready, in case you need to top off the reservoir.

1. Your engine should be warmed up before you check your transmission fluid. Turn the car on and allow it to run for just a few minutes. Verify that your car is in Park and turn the car back off before you pop the hood.
2. Locate your transmission fluid dipstick. If you’re driving a front-wheel-drive car in New Town, the transmission fluid dipstick is usually just to the right of the oil dipstick. If you can’t locate it, check your owner’s manual for details.
3. Pull the dipstick out of its holder and pick up a bit of fluid on your forefinger, moving it around between your thumb so you can observe the color. Transmission fluid should be almost clear, but with a slight pink tinge. If the color is muddled or it smells burnt, you’ll need to visit a service center for a full replacement.
4. Using your rag, wipe the dipstick clean. Insert it back into its tube, then remove it once more so you can check the level. If the fluid line is under the “Full” marker on the dipstick, you’ll need to top it off.
5. Check your owner’s manual to ensure you have the right type of transmission fluid. Using a funnel, slowly top off the fluid being careful not to overfill it.

If you need assistance along the way, call our service staff at (701) 510-0061 and we’ll be glad to help.

How Often Do You Check Your Transmission Fluid?

Now you know how to check your transmission fluid level and quality, but there might be another question on your mind: how often do you need to check your transmission fluid? It’s recommended that you check the transmission fluid monthly, along with the engine oil and power steering fluid, which are equally vital.

Quick Transmission Fluid Tips

The transmission is a complex mechanical component of your vehicle. Check out these quick transmission tips to help you feel more confident and comfortable with its maintenance:

• Different types of transmission fluid exist for different types of vehicles. Factors like the model year and whether you have a manual or automatic transmission will determine what type your car requires. You can find the OEM-recommended fluid in your owner’s manual.
• To check the fluid level on a manual transmission, you’ll most likely need a jack to access a plug on the underside of your car. This being the case, it may be easier to schedule a service appointment to have your manual transmission fluid level checked by a technician.
• When your car’s transmission fluid is low, it might hesitate before shifting gears. But if you check the fluid level and it’s correct, there could be a more serious issue to address. In this case, you’ll want to contact us and set up a service appointment without delay.
• Transmission fluid should be fully replaced every 50,000 to 100,000 miles. The true interval will depend on factors like your transmission type, driving conditions, driving habits. If you want to feel assured you’re scheduling this maintenance at the right time, consult your owner’s manual.

Transmission Service You Can Trust in Minot

Ryan Chevrolet is conveniently located near Belcourt, and we’re here for you when you need reliable transmission service. Visit us for assistance today, or check out our online service info hub for more helpful tips on brake repair, changing brake lights, and more.