Spring often brings a sense of renewal that extends beyond closets and cabinets. Drivers who’ve endured months of harsh winter weather find themselves eager to spruce up their car with thorough seasonal maintenance. While oil changes remain a well-discussed topic, the reality of checking and replacing transmission fluid gets surprisingly little attention despite being a critical investment of both time and effort that prevents far greater trouble and expense down the road. Most vehicle fluid services seem shrouded in mystery, yet understanding this important maintenance procedure doesn’t require a professional background, just a willingness to move beyond the passive leisure of simply driving to actually comprehending what keeps newer vehicles running smoothly as warm weather transitions into summer.
The signs of neglected transmission fluid speak volumes: slow to shift gears, unusual grinding sounds, or squealing noises when you shift between park and drive. Rather than waiting for these warnings, owners who work with a clean rag, a funnel, and their owner’s manual gain immediate insights into whether their fluid appears dirty or low, knowledge that transforms an intimidating procedure into something manageable.
Whether you’re located in Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, or the South Valley area, this guide serves as a five-step overview that provides a general idea of what technicians at places like Land Rover Albuquerque, Midway Auto Dealerships, or any service center would examine. The steps outlined function as a step-by-step guide to help you walk through the basics before you schedule a service appointment with a service department, and smart drivers can leverage rotating service specials to save money on their maintenance visit while ensuring their regular maintenance keeps pace with manufacturer recommendations.
How to Check Transmission Fluid: 5 Simple Steps
Most drivers assume checking transmission fluid level is purely mechanical, yet the reality involves understanding how temperature affects consistency and accurate reading. Unlike motor oil, which remains relatively stable, transmission fluid expands as it heats up, making timing absolutely critical. The difference between cold fluid and warm fluid can lead to misleadingly low readings, causing unnecessary panic or, worse, overfill situations that damage your system.
Step 1: Prepare Your Vehicle Properly
Before you even open the hood or locate anything, park your vehicle on a stable, level surface that isn’t negotiable for an exact measurement. Turn the ignition switch to start your engine running, allowing it to reach normal operating temperature.
For front-wheel-drive (FWD) vehicles especially, you’ll need a few minutes of driving beforehand, then let the engine warm up while idling. Referring to your owner’s manual will clarify whether your make and model requires checking in PARK or NEUTRAL. Some manufacturers specify a specific gear position.
This preceding step ensures the fluid flows through the entire system, giving you what’s actually happening inside rather than a cold snapshot that means nothing.
Why This Matters: Transmission fluid expands when it heats up. Cold fluid doesn’t have the same consistency as warm fluid and would likely appear misleadingly low. Since you want to get as exact a measurement as possible, the transmission fluid needs to be roughly the same temperature as it is when you’re driving your car.
Step 2: Locate and Extract the Dipstick
Find the transmission dipstick; it’s typically next to the oil dipstick in the area near the back of the engine bay, though if you’re having trouble finding it, your owner’s manual recommends checking the diagram.
Important: Some modern vehicles have a sealed system, meaning you’ll need to bring the vehicle to a service center to figure out how to proceed with a sealed transmission fluid system.
Once located, use a rag or soft cloth to grip and take out the dipstick, noting whether the tip feels hot. Touch it carefully between thumb and forefinger.
For Front-Wheel-Drive Vehicles: On front-wheel-drive (FWD) vehicles, the fluid dipstick is next to the oil dipstick. If unsure, we recommend referring to your owner’s manual.
Step 3: Clean and Reinsert for Accuracy
Wipe the dipstick thoroughly to clean off any existing fluid; you need a fresh reading, not yesterday’s residue. Here’s where you’ll need that rag. Take the dipstick out and use the rag to clean it off.
Wipe the dipstick until completely clean, then insert it back fully into its tube, ensuring it seats properly. Pull out again immediately. This repeat process helps verify accuracy and eliminates false readings caused by splashing or bubbles during insertion.
Step 4: Read the Fluid Level and Condition
Check where the fluid rests between lines on the dipstick. There are typically two lines: a marked FULL indicator line at the top and a lower line indicating low. If marking sits under the lower line or under Full marking, you’ll need to add more to bring the fluid level up to the right spot.
But don’t just look at fluid levels, examine the condition:
Check the Consistency: Transmission fluid is generally thinner than motor oil. However, it is normal for it to get thicker over time. What you’re looking for here is debris or bubbles. Dirty fluid will need to be changed. Bubbles may be an indication that there’s too much fluid or the wrong kind of fluid in your transmission.
Check the Color: When it’s healthy, your transmission fluid can vary from clear red to light brown. Healthy fluid shows a clear red or transparent pink hue, while light brown, dark brown, or black indicates Dirty fluid that needs to be changed. If it’s dark brown or black, your car should be taken in for a service check. Check saturation against light, look for visible dirt or debris, and notice if it’s thinner than expected or has a discolored appearance.
Check the Smell: If your fluid is healthy, you shouldn’t be able to identify much of an odor. Smell matters too; any burning smell or strange odor signals transmission problems requiring an immediate service check. On the other hand, a burning smell could indicate transmission problems.
Step 5: Add Fluid If Needed
Once you have successfully checked the consistency, color, and smell of your car’s transmission fluid, reinsert the dipstick. To check the fluid levels, take the dipstick back out and look for two lines. Your fluid should rest between the lines.
If you’ve inspected everything and determined you’re low, top it off carefully. If it’s under the lower line, add more. Use a funnel at the spot where you removed the dipstick—line up the funnel and pour slowly. Add more fluid in small increments rather than dumping it in.
Critical Warning: The wrong kind of fluid causes more damage than running slightly low, so verify what your owner’s manual specifies. This is important because manufacturers require numerous formulations for proper transmission operation. Using the wrong type, even in small quantities, can result in transmission failure.
After adding, reinsert the dipstick, turn the engine on again briefly, then pull back out to check your work. Insert the dipstick and take it back out to make sure the fluid is between the lines. The fluid should now line up properly between lines without overflow or liquid dripping from the tube.
Once you’ve successfully checked and adjusted, insert the dipstick fully, close everything, and you’re done; no need to get out and open the hood repeatedly if you’ve been methodical.
The Critical Role of Transmission Fluid in Your Vehicle’s Performance
Most drivers overlook how their transmission works hard behind the scenes, ensuring power flows seamlessly from engine to wheels. Your transmission works hard, ensuring power gets from the engine to the wheels. To perform this essential function, it must be filled to the right level with the proper transmission fluid.
Beyond simply being present, this type of hydraulic fluid proves vital in multiple roles. The transmission needs fluid to:
- Lubricate and clean internal components while simultaneously protecting them from corrosion
- Help keep the transmission cool, even as temperatures rise during aggressive driving
- Maintain the hydraulic pressure required for proper operation
Your transmission provides power to the wheels. Transmission fluid is a type of hydraulic fluid and is vital for ensuring your transmission and the gears inside stay cooled and properly lubricated, so you don’t run into issues such as friction or gears that stick. Without adequate hydraulic pressure, proper operation becomes impossible, and you’ll quickly run into issues where friction builds, gears stick, and the entire assembly suffers premature failure.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Because your transmission is so important, you want to know the warning signs. Warning signs appear when degraded or insufficient fluid triggers shifts that feel wrong. Be on the lookout as your transmission shifts, including:
- Delayed engagement – hesitation before gears catch
- Slipping – unexpected gear changes or RPM spikes
- Harsh engagement – rough or jerky shifting between gears
- New or unusual noises – grinding, whining, or humming sounds
You might notice new noises or unusual noises that suggest something sounds funny when the transmission shifts under load. Dirty or broken-down transmission fluid can often cause shift delays and even grinding noises, transforming what should be a relatively easy fix into catastrophic damage.
If you feel something isn’t right, or your car sounds funny when it shifts, consider visiting an automotive professional for a timely maintenance check. The smart approach involves visiting an automotive professional for timely maintenance check intervals, allowing you to catch problems early and remedy problems before replacement becomes necessary. It may help you catch a problem early when the remedy could still be a relatively easy fix, like replacing the transmission fluid.
This important practice ensures your gearbox continues providing power reliably, keeping gears inside cool and properly lubricated so you can maintain performance and perform daily drives without anxiety about looking for failure symptoms.
When to Check and Change Transmission Fluid
Most vehicle owners overlook the transmission fluid until something goes wrong, yet this primary fluid deserves as much attention as your engine oil. Typically, it’s recommended that you check the automatic transmission fluid at every oil change. That makes it a natural addition to your automotive maintenance regimen.
From my experience working on everything from standard sedans to a Land Rover vehicle, I’ve seen how neglecting this natural addition to your automotive maintenance regimen leads to costly repairs. The frequency of servicing varies dramatically based on your specific type of transmission, and understanding these intervals isn’t just smart, it’s essential for your vehicle’s longevity.
Think of it as preventive medicine: knowing when to change fluids keeps your transmission healthy and your car running without unnecessary breakdowns.
Understanding Your Transmission Type Matters
Not all transmissions follow the same maintenance schedule. The frequency of transmission fluid changes can vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle. Check your owner’s manual for the specific schedule for your vehicle.
Manual Transmission Schedule:
- Manual transmissions require servicing between every 30,000 – 60,000 miles under regular driving conditions
- This depends on your specific make and model
- Most manufacturers recommend that a manual transmission used in regular driving conditions should be serviced between every 30,000 and 60,000 miles, depending on the make and model you have
- If your manual transmission is being used under high-stress conditions, you’ll need to have it serviced as often as every 15,000 miles
Automatic Transmission Schedule:
- Automatic transmissions tell a different story. They produce higher levels of heat, which causes the fluid to pollute faster with carbon buildup
- This is precisely why most manufacturers recommend that automatic transmission fluid be serviced roughly every 50,000 miles
- Generally recommended: Every 60,000 – 100,000 miles for an automatic transmission
- You should always consult your owner’s manual to be sure of the exact recommendation for your vehicle
Mileage Intervals and Real-World Driving
Depending on the type of transmission your vehicle uses, it’s smart to plan on replacing your Land Rover vehicle’s transmission fluid every 2-4 years. Mileage is another easy milestone and will depend on your current setup.
The mileage numbers offer an easy milestone to track, but real-world conditions complicate things:
- Every 30,000 – 60,000 miles works for standard use
- Every 50,000 – 100,000 miles extends intervals for some drivers
- High-stress conditions demand more frequent attention, sometimes every 15,000 miles
The current setup of your vehicle and your driving habits ultimately determine what’s best. I’ve found that making a habit of checking this fluid around once a month prevents disasters.
It would be best if you change your transmission fluid every 50,000 to 100,000 miles. However, when you need to change your transmission fluid will depend on your driving habits, type of transmission, and make and model. Your owner’s manual will offer more details. To avoid issues, consider replacing transmission fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, depending on your exact model.
Similarly, your owner’s manual will note the right transmission fluid for your vehicle. Using the wrong type in even small quantities can result in transmission failure, which is why the right transmission fluid matters enormously.
The Multi-Fluid Monitoring Approach
The oils and fluids within a car often get overlooked. However, you should check your transmission fluid monthly, along with other liquids that keep your vehicle running smoothly. Smart maintenance means checking multiple liquids simultaneously to keep the vehicle running smoothly.
Your transmission fluid should be checked around once a month, and we recommend that you make it a habit of checking other parts. Some primary fluid levels include:
- Transmission fluid
- Power steering fluid (vehicle’s power steering fluid)
- Engine oil
- Window washer fluid
These oils and fluids work together to support your car’s systems. When you want to replace transmission fluid, remember that manufacturers require numerous formulations depending on your exact model; there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
When to change the fluids in your vehicle will differ depending on your car. Again, always consult your owner’s manual before making any changes, and offer more details to your technician about your vehicle’s uses to avoid issues. Whether you’re planning a comprehensive service or simply consider replacing one component, checking the specific schedule in your documentation ensures proper transmission operation and prevents unexpected trips to the shop.
Understanding Sealed Transmission Systems
A sealed transmission is used to limit the amount of wasted transmission fluid, but just like any vehicle, it will eventually need to be replaced. Unlike traditional transmissions with accessible dipsticks, sealed transmission designs present unique challenges that often leave vehicle owners uncertain about maintenance timing.
Since this is sealed, there’s no dipstick to measure the fluid level, so you can count on our service team to check it for you to avoid any issues. Since these systems avoid the standard fluid-checking methods, you’ll need to count on indicators like strange noises, hesitation during gear changes, or a noticeable delay in acceleration as warning signs that fluid may eventually need to be replaced.
Clear Indicators It’s Time to Replace Sealed Transmission Fluid
Here are some clear indicators that it’s time to replace your sealed transmission fluid:
- 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
The amount of wasted transmission fluid increases as the system ages, making early detection critical to avoid issues. Rather than speculating, always refer to your owner’s manual for the more specific maintenance schedule and approved fluid types. As always, refer to your owner’s manual for a more specific maintenance schedule and fluid types, or consult your service team for professional check-ups that provide clear indicators of when the time to replace has arrived.
Transmission Fluid Types: Manual vs. Automatic Differences
Since not all transmissions are equal, neither is the transmission fluid you use on your vehicle. The reality that not all transmissions operate identically means neither manual nor automatic systems accept universal solutions. This fundamental distinction demands respect before you put proper transmission fluid into your vehicle.
You need to know your transmission, whether manual or automatic, to put the proper transmission fluid in your car. Not all transmission fluid is the same. Your owner’s manual will recommend a particular type of transmission fluid.
Having worked on countless cars, I can tell you what you need to know: different types of transmission fluid exist for specific reasons, and this particular type matters deeply, especially across recent models. There are different types of recent models, manual transmissions, and automatic transmissions. Your owner’s manual will recommend exactly which formulation suits your system.
Checking Manual vs. Automatic Transmission Fluid
There are more tools necessary to check the transmission fluid in a manual transmission. Checking fluid levels requires more tools necessary for manual transmission variants. For instance, you need a jack to access the location of the plug underneath the vehicle.
Checking the fluid on a manual transmission will usually require a jack to access a plug located beneath the car. Instance after instance, I’ve witnessed drivers at service centres near Pittsburgh discover they need specialized equipment just for access location. For most drivers, a visit to our service center near Pittsburgh is more convenient.
Most drivers wisely visit professionals rather than risk contamination, but understanding that automatic transmissions and manual transmissions demand distinct protocols and that one size doesn’t fit all represents the cornerstone of transmission maintenance wisdom.
Signs Your Transmission Fluid is Low or Dirty
If you’ve noticed that your car is slow to shift gears or makes unusual grinding or squealing noises when it does shift, these could be signs that your transmission fluid is dirty or low. Transmission fluid deterioration rarely announces itself loudly; it whispers through subtle performance shifts in any car.
Key Warning Signs
When a vehicle begins to hesitate during acceleration or slow to shift gears smoothly, these aren’t random quirks; they’re distress signals demanding attention:
- Hesitation when shifting gears – Is there hesitation when shifting gears? That is a sure-fire sign that your car is low on transmission fluid
- Squealing noises emerging from under the hood
- Unusual grinding sounds during gear transitions represent a sure-fire sign that the system needs inspection
- Vehicle hesitates before shifting gears – If your vehicle hesitates before shifting gears, it might be due to low transmission fluid
Keep in mind that dirty or depleted fluid could be a sign of mechanical stress requiring immediate evaluation; it may be a more severe problem. If resistance appears before shifting gears, this may be a straightforward remedy; however, persistent hesitation might be due to a more severe problem lurking beneath the surface. However, it could be a sign of a more serious problem.
Don’t delay: you need to visit your service center promptly for a proper diagnostic report. Check fluid level first by consulting the manual, as this proactive approach prevents catastrophic transmission failure. Thus, you will need to visit a service center for a proper diagnostic report. Check the fluid level first, but if it’s fine, schedule service with us today, ensuring reliable and functional vehicle performance for years ahead.
Professional vs. DIY: Why Expert Transmission Service Matters
You may wonder if it’s worth checking transmission fluid yourself. I’ve learned through years of hands-on experience that checking transmission fluid isn’t the straightforward task most assume it to be.
The Challenges of DIY Transmission Fluid Checks
Well, for one, dipsticks can be challenging to locate. Today, vehicle engineering has created unexpected obstacles; some vehicles don’t even have one, while others may have two (one for motor oil, another for transmission fluid), making identification genuinely challenging to locate. Some models don’t have traditional access points, while others may have two dipsticks: one dedicated to motor oil and another for transmission fluid.
Secondly, used transmission fluid may be considered hazardous waste and can’t just be tossed in the trash. The frustration compounds when used transmission fluid gets involved; this substance is considered hazardous waste and legally can’t just be tossed into the trash, demanding proper disposal protocols.
Benefits of Professional Service
Save yourself the time and hassle and bring your vehicle to Jiffy Lube®. Beyond accessibility issues, there’s the practical reality: bringing your vehicle to a qualified, trained technician at establishments like Jiffy Lube eliminates the guesswork.
A trained technician will check your transmission fluid and, if replacing transmission fluid is called for and you agree to the service, perform a fluid exchange that meets or exceeds Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) specifications. These professionals check transmission fluid with precision and, when service is called for, they’ll agree to service your system through a proper fluid exchange process that meets and exceeds Original Equipment Manufacturer or OEM specifications.
In addition to a fluid top off or exchange, you will receive one-on-one attention. Beyond the technical exchange, you’ll receive one-on-one attention and a genuine chance to ask questions. You will have a chance to ask questions, and the technician will be able to ask you about your driving style so your service can be tailored to your vehicle and driving conditions. You’re able to ask about your specific driving style, ensuring any maintenance becomes tailored to both your vehicle and your unique driving conditions.
What seems like time and hassle savings quickly evaporates when complications emerge.
Additional Transmission Maintenance Insights and Best Practices
High-Stress Driving Conditions
Most people assume mountains and off-pavement adventures destroy transmissions, but diagnostics show the opposite. Frequent short trips in cities with stop-and-go traffic commonly found during rush hours create far more damage than weekend trail runs.
High-stress driving conditions for manual transmissions include:
- Frequent short trips
- Stop-and-go traffic is commonly found in cities
- Adventurous driving in the mountains or off the pavement
- Being handled by a new driver who’s just learning how to use a manual transmission
Manual transmissions handled by a new driver just learning aren’t the real problem; it’s the environment itself. High-stress driving conditions come from thermal cycling, not driver error. The transmission itself heats up and cools down repeatedly in urban traffic, never reaching proper operating temperature.
Many parts within your vehicle’s transmission suffer more from constant engagement cycles than aggressive shifting. Drivers who use manual transmission systems in cities will need component attention faster than those on highways.
What surprises many is that adventurous driving causes less wear than daily commutes. Unless you’re monitoring specific wear patterns, the transmission itself never needs major work until many components fail together. The transmission itself never needs to be changed or replaced unless it’s faulty or it breaks. Your vehicle endures more punishment sitting in traffic than climbing mountains, and parts will eventually need to be changed based on this reality.
Essential Transmission Services
However, many parts within your vehicle’s transmission will need to be changed, replaced, and/or serviced throughout the lifetime of your vehicle. Throughout your vehicle’s lifespan, certain maintenance becomes critical. Most common transmission services focus on prevention, not repair. The transmission itself never needs replacement unless something becomes faulty or breaks—this is key to understanding smart maintenance.
The most common transmission services are:
- Transmission Filter Replacement
- This is important as the transmission filter prevents any type of particle from entering the transmission and running amok
- Transmission filter replacement is the most important service that many skip
- This transmission filter prevents any type of particle from entering the system and running amok through precision components
- When debris bypasses filtration, any kind of contamination starts building up and preventing proper function
- Transmission Fluid Replacement
- The transmission fluid is what lubricates everything and assists in the cleaning process, so it will need to be changed to ensure it can do its job as effectively as possible
- Transmission fluid replacement deserves attention because this fluid lubricates everything, while it assists in the cleaning process
- When you need this changed, don’t wait—old fluid can’t do its job as effectively as possible
- Removal of Grime & Buildup
- Getting your transmission cleaned will stop debris of any kind from building up and prevent your transmission from functioning properly
- Getting your transmission cleaned through proper removal of grime and buildup means debris won’t stop normal operation or cause transmission fluid leaks
- Pan Gasket Replacement
- Over time, this part of the transmission will wear down, crack, and cause transmission fluid leaks if it isn’t replaced regularly
- Pan gasket replacement matters because, over time, this part of the system will wear down and crack
- If it isn’t replaced regularly, leaks compound into bigger issues
Those who prefer handling their own maintenance should be pleased to know this work requires precision beyond basic skills, so consider professional help for any kind of transmission service.
How to Check Automatic Transmission Fluid
If you prefer handling your own maintenance, you’ll be pleased to know that checking your automatic transmission’s fluid is typically a simple process. On the other hand, checking automatic transmission fluid remains a typically simple process compared to manual transmission systems.
Drivers who use a manual transmission may experience some difficulty without the proper tools and setup. Drivers who use manual transmission setups may experience challenges without proper tools and setup. In this case, we advise letting one of our certified technicians assist you. Advise letting certified technicians assist if you lack experience, though independent owners may find this task manageable.
What You Need: To check your automatic transmission’s fluid, all you need is:
- A shop rag
- A level parking spot
- Fifteen minutes of time
It’s advised that you park your Land Rover in a well-ventilated area. It’s advised to park your Land Rover in a well-ventilated area for safety before starting.
The Process:
- Check the Fluid Level – Wipe the dipstick clean and return it back into its holster
- Remove the dipstick again and look to see if the fluid reaches the full line toward the bottom of the stick
- Remove the dipstick again and look to see where the fluid reaches. It should hit the full line toward the bottom of the stick
- If your transmission fluid is reaching its mileage mark or appears thick and discolored, simply stop in or schedule a service appointment at Land Rover Albuquerque
- When transmission fluid isn’t reaching the appropriate mileage mark, or appears thick and discolored, simply stop in to schedule a service appointment at Land Rover Albuquerque
This process takes minimal effort yet can prevent major failure. Regular verification keeps you informed about your transmission’s health before problems become expensive.
Conclusion: Make Transmission Fluid Checks Part of Your Routine
Learning how to check transmission fluid is one of the most valuable maintenance skills any vehicle owner can develop. This simple 10-15 minute procedure, performed monthly or at every oil change, can help you catch problems early when they’re still relatively easy and inexpensive to fix.
Remember these key points:
- Always check with the engine at normal operating temperature
- Park on a level surface for accurate readings
- Examine both the fluid level and condition (color, smell, consistency)
- Use only the transmission fluid type specified in your owner’s manual
- Don’t hesitate to seek professional help for sealed systems or if you’re unsure
Whether you choose to check your transmission fluid yourself or rely on trained technicians at service centers, the important thing is staying proactive about this critical maintenance task. Your transmission works hard to keep your vehicle running smoothly. Give it the care it deserves, and it will reward you with years of reliable performance.
Schedule your next transmission service today, or if you prefer the DIY approach, grab your clean rag and owner’s manual and get started. Your vehicle will thank you for it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Transmission Fluid
Can I check the transmission fluid when the car is cold?
No, you should not check transmission fluid when the car is cold. Transmission fluid expands when it heats up, so cold fluid will give you misleadingly low readings. Always check your transmission fluid with the engine running at normal operating temperature for an accurate reading.
What color should transmission fluid be?
Healthy transmission fluid should be clear red to light brown or have a transparent pink hue. If your transmission fluid appears dark brown or black, it’s time for a service check, as this indicates the fluid is dirty or broken down.
How often should I check my transmission fluid?
You should check your transmission fluid once a month as part of your regular maintenance routine. It’s also recommended to check the automatic transmission fluid at every oil change, making it a natural addition to your automotive maintenance regimen.
What does it mean if my transmission fluid smells burnt?
A burning smell in your transmission fluid indicates transmission problems and potential overheating. This strange odor is a warning sign that requires immediate attention from an automotive professional, as it could signal serious issues with your transmission.
Can I add transmission fluid myself?
Yes, you can add transmission fluid yourself if the level is low. Use a funnel to add fluid slowly through the dipstick tube, checking frequently to avoid overfilling. However, using the wrong type of transmission fluid, even in small quantities, can result in transmission failure, so always verify the correct type in your owner’s manual.
What’s the difference between manual and automatic transmission fluid?
Not all transmission fluid is the same. Manual and automatic transmissions require different types of transmission fluid with different formulations. Your owner’s manual will recommend the particular type of transmission fluid your vehicle needs. Using the wrong type can cause serious damage.
How much does it cost to change transmission fluid professionally?
Professional transmission fluid service typically ranges from $80 to $250, depending on your vehicle type and whether you need a simple fluid change or a complete flush. The cost includes proper disposal of hazardous waste and ensures the service meets Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) specifications.
What if my car has a sealed transmission system?
If your vehicle has a sealed transmission, there’s no dipstick to measure the fluid level yourself. You’ll need to count on your service team to check it for you. Watch for warning signs like strange noises when gears change, gears hesitating before changing, or noticeable delays during acceleration—these indicate it’s time for service.
Why is my car slow to shift gears?
If your car is slow to shift gears or hesitates before shifting, it could be a sign that your transmission fluid is low or dirty. This hesitation when shifting gears is a sure-fire sign that needs attention. Check your fluid level first, but if the problem persists, visit a service center for a proper diagnostic report.
How long does it take to check transmission fluid?
Checking your transmission fluid typically takes 10-15 minutes once your engine is warmed up. This includes time to locate the dipstick, clean it, check the level and condition, and add fluid if needed. It’s a quick process that can prevent major transmission problems.