How to check your transmission fluid

Just like your oil or your brake fluid, you’re going to want to keep an eye on your transmission fluid to keep your vehicle running smoothly. Don’t worry, you got this. 

Before you do anything, give your owner’s manual a read. You’re going to want to follow their instructions for checking your transmission fluid levels and for everything else that applies to your particular make and model of car. Follow their instructions. They’re there for a reason.

Make sure your vehicle is on level ground.

1. Warm up the engine with a quick drive

2. Shift the transmission through all gears, bringing the engine to a good operating temperature. 

3. Put the vehicle in PARK. Then pop the hood and pull out the dipstick. Don’t turn off the vehicle. 

Make sure the engine is still running when you pull out the dipstick.

When you pull out the dipstick, the fluid should be red or have a slight pink tone. 

4. Wipe the dipstick with a clean, lint-free rag, then reinsert it and pull it out again. 

5. Take a good look at the fluid. 

You don’t want it to look or smell burnt, or to contain any particles, otherwise you’re going to want to change it. If it’s milky, you’re going to want to change it. 

6. If you check the transmission fluid, and it’s clear but doesn’t reach the “full” line on the dipstick - use a funnel to pour in just enough transmission fluid down the dipstick tube to reach the line. Be careful not to overfill. 

7. Return the dipstick to the holding tube and push it all the way back down the tube. 

8. Double check the dipstick to ensure you’ve filled the transmission to the correct level. 

Ensuring your transmission fluid is kept clean and at the right levels will ensure your vehicle continues running properly. That wasn’t so bad. Told you, you got this.