How to Check Your Transmission Fluid

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Regular maintenance tasks, like checking your transmission fluid, can help prevent issues before they arise and significantly increase the life of your Mazda. Need to know how to check your transmission fluid? Simply follow these steps from Manchester Mazda near Hartford:

1. Ensure the car is on a flat, level surface and turn it on. The engine should be warmed up to check the level.
2. Find the transmission fluid dipstick. On front-wheel drive cars, it’s usually located to the right of the oil dipstick. Check your owner’s manual if you’re having trouble finding it.
3. Remove the dipstick and touch the fluid, moving it around between your thumb and forefinger. The fluid should be nearly clear, with a pink hue. If it looks dirty or gives off a burnt smell, take it to a service center for replacement.
4. Use a rag to wipe off the dipstick, and then insert it back into the vehicle. Pull out the dipstick again and check the level. If it’s under the “Full” marking, you’ll need to add more.
5. Use a funnel to pour, bringing the transmission fluid level up to the right spot. Be sure not to overfill it.

If you run into any issues, the Manchester Mazda service center is happy to answer any questions for drivers in the Vernon and Glastonbury areas and beyond. Schedule an appointment here.

How Often Do You Check Your Transmission Fluid?

Do you need to check the transmission fluid level regularly? Absolutely! You should check the main fluid levels of your car monthly. That includes the transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and engine oil. And don’t forget, your owner’s manual is your car’s bible. It will have a more accurate maintenance schedule within.

Transmission Fluid Basics

Your transmission is one of the most complex parts of your vehicle. Before you check your transmission fluid, explore these tips:

• Not all transmission fluid is the same, with different types for recent models, automatic transmission fluid, and manual transmission fluid. Your owner’s manual will recommend a particular type of transmission fluid.
• Checking the fluid on a manual transmission will usually require a jack to access a plug located beneath the car. For most drivers, a visit to our service center near South Windsor is more convenient.
• If your vehicle hesitates before shifting gears, it might be due to low transmission fluid. However, it could be a sign of a more serious problem. Check the fluid level first, but if it’s fine, bring your vehicle in to our Manchester service center immediately.
• You’ll want to replace your transmission fluid every 50,000 to 100,000 miles. The actual amount depends on your driving habits, type of transmission, and other factors. Check your owner’s manual for a more specific replacement interval.

Learn More About How to Check Your Transmission Fluid at Manchester Mazda

Reach out to our service center at (860) 645-4105 with any questions at all! If you want to further educate yourself, we have several informative car maintenance blog posts, including “Post-Winter Car Maintenance Checklist“ and “How Do I Know if I Need a New Battery?“ We’d also love to help you learn how to change a key fob battery.