How to Check Transmission Fluid

Your transmission is a crucial part of your car’s performance on the Gretna roads, so learning how to check your transmission fluid can go a long way in keeping your car healthier on the road. Not only will you learn what looks normal under the hood, but you can spot any abnormalities before they become major issues for your car – and your wallet. Find out how often you check your transmission fluid for the best results, and visit Honda of Lincoln for all of your service needs today.

Checking Transmission Fluid: Step-by-Step Guide 

Learning how to check transmission fluid isn’t difficult, and it just takes a few minutes of your time. Just follow these simple steps in your garage:

1. The engine should be slightly warm, so turn on the car if you need to warm the car back up.
2. Place the car in park and open the hood.
3. Look for the transmission dipstick. It will usually be located to the right of your oil dipstick, but check your owner’s manual for a diagram.
4. Pull out the dipstick and touch the fluid to assess the condition. Move the fluid between your thumb and forefinger to see if it feels gritty, dirty, or if it gives off a burnt smell. Ideally, it will be smooth and nearly clear with a pink hue.
5. Wipe off the remaining fluid from the dipstick with a clean cloth, and place it back into the reservoir. Pull it out one last time to check the level. If it’s under the “Full” marking, add more fluid with a funnel. Do not overfill.

If you have any questions or concerns during the process, feel free to check with Honda of Lincoln. We’re happy to help our neighbors in Gretna and Bellevue, so don’t hesitate to reach out.

Checking the Fluid in a Sealed Transmission 

What if you don’t have a transmission dipstick? You might have a sealed transmission, so double check with your owner’s manual or our service center. A sealed transmission is closed in order to keep the transmission fluid cleaner, but it means you can’t check the fluid levels without specialty equipment. This means you’ll need to schedule a service to get it checked. Be sure to visit earlier if you notice red flags, like: 

• 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?

How often do you check your transmission fluid for the best results?Experts recommend checking all of the fluid levels of your car on a monthly basis. This includes transmission fluid, but also includes power steering fluid and engine oil. When you develop a good maintenance routine, you keep your car in better condition for the long run. For more detailed recommendations, check your owner’s manual.

Transmission Fluid Basics

• Different vehicles require different types of transmission fluid, so be sure to check in with a service center or your owner’s manual before buying a new bottle.
• Manual transmissions are harder to check than automatic transmissions. You’ll usually need to put the car on a jack to access a plug under the car, so many manual drivers simple schedule a service appointment.
• One of the telltale signs of low transmission fluid is sluggish gear changes, but this can also be the result of other auto issues. Check the fluid levels first, but be sure to visit a service center to rule out other causes.
• Most experts recommend replacing your transmission fluid every 50,000 to 100,000 miles. However, this depends on your driving habits, type of transmission, and other factors.

Visit Honda of Lincoln For All Your Service Needs

Whether you want to pick up transmission fluid or schedule your next maintenance service, Honda of Lincoln is happy to help. Contact us today for more information or visit our dealership in Lincoln.