How to Check Transmission Fluid

If you want to keep your vehicle running as smoothly as possible on the roads of Jamestown and Westfield, it is important to know how to properly maintain your car, truck, or SUV. This includes knowing how to check transmission fluid. How often do you check your transmission fluid? The service team at Basil Chevrolet Inc. explains this and more in the guide below. We want to ensure your vehicle performs at its best for many years to come.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Check Transmission Fluid

You can check your transmission fluid right at home in your Dunkirk driveway! Here’s how:

1. Turn the engine on for a few minutes to make sure that it is warmed up before you proceed. The car should be in park before you get out to pop the hood.
2. Find the location of the transmission fluid dipstick. If you have a FWD vehicle, it will likely be located to the right of the oil dipstick. If you are still not sure where to find it, this information should be in your owner’s manual.
3. Remove the dipstick and touch the fluid. The appearance of the fluid should be nearly clear with a slight pink tint. If the appearance of the fluid is dirty or has a burnt smell, it is a sign that it needs to be replaced.
4. Wipe off the dipstick with a rag before inserting it back into the vehicle. Take it out once more to check the level. If the level does not quite reach the “Full” marking, more transmission fluid will need to be added.
5. Use a funnel to properly fill the transmission fluid, but be careful not to overfill the fluid.

How Often Do You Check Your Transmission Fluid?

Another common question we hear at the Basil Chevrolet Inc. service center is “How often do you check your transmission fluid?” This task should be performed on a monthly basis, and during this time, it is also a good idea to also check your power steering fluid and engine oil. Remember that it is always beneficial to check your owner’s manual to see when these tasks and others are recommended by the manufacturer.

The Basics of Transmission Fluid

Now that you know how to check transmission fluid, these following tips may also be quite helpful during your DIY car maintenance in Fredonia:

• Not all transmission fluid is the same, so make sure you purchase the correct kind for your make and model. Once again, this can be found in your owner’s manual.
• Checking the fluid on a manual transmission will usually require a jack to access a plug located beneath the car. This can make the process a bit more complicated and challenging, so you may want to leave this up to our service experts. Set up an appointment today.
• If your vehicle hesitates before shifting gears, low transmission fluid could be the culprit. However, this is also a sign of a more serious problem with your vehicle, so it is highly recommended that you have your vehicle looked at by a professional.
• Transmission fluid should be replaced every 50,000 to 100,000 miles. Driving habits and your particular vehicle could affect this interval.

Turn to Basil Chevrolet Inc. for All of Your Automotive Service Needs

If your vehicle is in need of additional routine maintenance, bring it by our state-of-the-art service center today. We would be more than happy to assist you. Contact us if you have any questions.

Service Specials at Basil Chevrolet Inc.

We are currently updating our Specials. Please check back soon.

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