How To Check Transmission Fluid

While the service center at Riverside Buick GMC is always ready and willing to help you with maintenance, there are quite a few DIY tasks that you can complete in your spare time. Learning how to check your transmission fluid is a great way to ensure that your vehicle is running properly on the Rome roads, and our service center has the tips and tricks to make the job easy. Take a look at our guides to learn how to check transmissions fluid in both standard and sealed configurations.

Checking Transmission Fluid: Standard Transmission

1. Warm up the engine for a few minutes, then park and pop the hood.
2. Find the transmission fluid dipstick. Your owner’s manual will show you where to look, but it’s generally to the right of the oil dipstick.
3. Remove the dipstick and touch the fluid. Move the fluid between your thumb and forefinger. It should be clear with a pink hue, but if it looks dirty or burnt, schedule your service as soon as possible.
4. Wipe off the dipstick with a rag and place it back in the reservoir. Pull it out again to check the level.
5. If your fluid is low, use a funnel to add more. Otherwise, you’re good to go.

Checking Transmission Fluid: Sealed Transmission

What if you can’t find a dipstick? You might have a “sealed transmission”. A sealed transmission is a different design that’s intended to minimize maintenance while keeping your fluids cleaner. However, this also eliminates the need for a dipstick. Instead, you’ll need to go to the service center for your fluid checks and fluid flushes. When do you know that your sealed transmission needs some TLC?

• You can hear strange noises when the gears change. 
• The gears hesitate before changing. 
• During acceleration, there’s a noticeable delay when the gears shift.

How Often Do You Check Your Transmission Fluid?

If you have a standard transmission, you’ll want to check your fluids every month. This includes everything from transmission fluid to power steering fluid to engine oil. Check your owner’s manual for additional information, or get in touch with our team at Riverside Buick GMC with your questions!

Transmission Fluid Tips

The transmission is one of the most complicated parts of your car, so here are some additional tips and tricks from our service department to help you learn more.

• Transmission fluid needs can vary from one car to another, based on model and configuration. Check your owner’s manual to find out what type you need.
• If you have a manual transmission, you’ll probably need a jack to access the plug under the car. Many Acworth drivers prefer to let a service technician handle it for their convenience.
• Low transmission levels can lead to a feeling of hesitation when shifting gears. Try topping off your fluids if needed, but if the problem persists, be sure to schedule your service to rule out other issues.
• Your transmission fluid must be replaced fully every 50,000 to 100,000 miles – depending on your driving habits, transmission type, and other factors. This will ensure that your car continues to run smoothly for your Canton travels ahead.

Schedule Your Service with Riverside Buick GMC

Whether you need routine maintenance or more intensive repairs, you can trust the experts at Riverside Buick GMC to get the job done. Contact us to learn more about our services or get in touch with us at with your questions. We look forward to assisting you in our Cartersville service center.