Is your vehicle jerking and sounding weird while passing through heavy traffic? It is a sign that you should check your transmission fluid.
When it comes to the maintenance of your vehicle, checking your transmission fluid is one of the most effective ways to maintain your vehicle’s performance. It is technical and is best handled by a professional.
When you regularly check your car transmission fluid, you can catch problems before they become expensive repairs. It also keeps your car running smoothly and ensures it lasts longer without the need to buy a new car. Plus, a well-maintained vehicle is worth more money if you decide to sell it later.
Before we dive into how to check transmission fluid, let us first establish what this fluid does and why it degrades.
What Does Transmission Fluid Do?
Transmission fluid is a lubricant that is either clear with a red hue for most cars or darker and more viscous for older models. So, there is a different transmission fluid for manual and automatic cars, although most newer models will use the automatic fluid.
This fluid creates hydraulic pressure and helps your car smoothly shift between gears. In addition, it helps cool your car’s transmission and prevents corrosion, which ensures its longevity. Generally, you will find this fluid in the following parts of your car:
- Torque converter
- Valve body
- Clutch
- Brake band
So, you need to know how to check transmission fluid to ensure it is in the correct quantity and condition to keep your car operating optimally.
Why Does Transmission Fluid Degrade?
Transmission fluid degrades over time. The first reason why it degrades is due to the heat that ruins its anti-corrosion and lubricant properties.
The second reason it degrades is because contaminants enter the fluid over time, making it less effective and more likely to damage your transmission.
The Top Signs You Need to Change Your Transmission Fluid
Before changing the transmission fluid, you will first need to look out for these main signs to know if something is wrong with it:
1. Difficulty Shifting Gears
One of the most noticeable signs that you have a low level of transmission fluid can make it difficult to shift gears. When your car does not have enough transmission fluid, it can get stuck in one gear even if the engine is revving more loudly. So, you will remain at the same speed even if you try to change it.
2. Slipping Gears
A dangerous side effect of a low transmission fluid is that it can cause your car to shift gears without you doing anything. Then, you might shift to a higher or lower shift, which could lead to an accident.
3. Strange Noise
A strange grinding, clunking, or whining noise is another sign that you have low transmission fluid. This sound occurs because the parts in your transmission are rubbing against each other instead of having transmission fluid in between them.
4. Delayed Acceleration
Lastly, you should consider checking the level of your transmission fluid when you notice that your vehicle stalls before accelerating. If the transmission fluid is the issue, this will usually happen when you accelerate from a complete stop. This is a clear sign that your car’s transmission fluid levels are too low.
Why You Need a Professional to Check Transmission Fluid
Although you can learn how to check automatic transmission fluid by yourself, the reality is that it is best to leave it to professionals. This is because modern cars have hard-to-access transmission fluid reservoirs, which is especially true for manual cars. Therefore, you will need specialized tools such as a hydraulic floor jack, jack stands, and pumps.
Furthermore, only professionals have the tools required to properly remove all of the old transmission fluid. This is a crucial detail because if you fail to remove it all, the remnants of the old transmission fluid can contaminate the new one. Then, your fluid exchange will be ineffective.
Moreover, a professional knows well how to check automatic transmission fluid and rule out any other issues. This will both reduce the money you spend on unnecessary changes to your car and ensure you spot issues early, reducing repair costs in the long run.
Need Professional Help to Check Your Transmission Fluid?
When you notice a persistent problem with your transmission fluid, you can consult Integrity 1st Automotive and seek help from our professionals. Our experts know how to service all models, ensuring services are approved statewide. We are even certified by Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
So, you can trust us with all sorts of vehicle services in Texas, including the following:
- Fluid exchanges
- Oil changes
- Engine light checks
- Tire change and alignment
- Repair and overhaul of engines
Conclusion
As we have discussed, relying on professionals to know how to check transmission fluid is essential. They will expertly check your transmission and figure out if you have another issue. Plus, they have all the tools required to check both manual and automatic transmissions.
With the right level, your transmission parts will last long, need less repair, and function better. All in all, it makes for a safer driving experience.
To be sure that you missed nothing, we suggest you reach out to professionals at Integrity 1st Automotive. We do all the routine maintenance you need to keep your car in top condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do you check the transmission fluid with the engine running?
You can check the transmission fluid with the engine running unless your car’s manual specifies against it. This is because checking it while it runs give you a more accurate result. This is because the volume of the fluid may contract when your engine has not been running for some time.
2. Do You check the transmission fluid in a neutral or park?
You can check the transmission fluid in both neutral or park. In both of these gears, the results will be accurate. However, the car should always be on a flat and level surface if it is an automatic.
3. Should you check transmission fluid hot or cold?
Usually, you should check the transmission when the car is “hot” or running. When the car is at its normal temperature, your fluid test will be more accurate. However, if your car’s manual says different, use those instructions instead.
