How long to run car before checking transmission fluid

Published Sat November 3, 2018

If your vehicle has an automatic transmission—and it probably does—then shifting gears should be a relatively simple, seamless matter. If the engine seems to hesitate or stall before shifting from one gear to the next, that could point to a maintenance issue, and potentially to a mechanical problem.

• Before you panic, though—and before you take the vehicle in for servicing—note that the solution could be as simple as replenishing the transmission fluid.
• This may be something you have never done before, but it’s an easy DIY vehicle maintenance task that could save you a few bucks and a trip to the shop.

Locating Your Transmission Fluid Dipstick

The first step is to locate the dipstick; this will look basically like your oil dipstick, although color-coded, to help you tell the two apart. The exact location of the dipstick can vary. In rear-wheel-drive vehicles, it is usually toward the rear of the engine. In vehicles with front-wheel drive, the dipstick will usually be found sticking out of the transaxle, and in most cases is toward the front of the engine.

Checking Your Transmission Fluid Level

Once you have located the dipstick, you can now check your fluid level:

1. Ensuring that your vehicle is in Park or Neutral and that your parking brake is on, start running your engine. Leave the engine running for a moment as you pull out the dipstick, ensuring the engine is warm as you check the fluid level.
2. Next, dip your index finger into the fluid on the dipstick, and rub it between your finger and thumb. Hopefully, what you see is some pink- or red-tinted, mostly clear liquid. Pay attention to the smell of something burning, or to particles present in the fluid. Both of these are signs that you need to change the fluid right away.
3. Use a clean, lint-free rag to wipe the dipstick clean, re-insert it, and check the fluid level again. If you see some of that pinkish liquid but it does not quite reach the “full” level, use a funnel to pour a bit more transmission fluid into the tank—enough to reach that line, but no more! Don’t overfill!
4. Make sure to reinsert the dipstick when you’re finished.

Final Tips for Fixing the Transmission Fluid

Note, if you do add more fluid, there are many different types of transmission fluids out there. For optimal performance, you will want to use the type specified in your owner’s manual. Make sure you double-check this before purchasing the new fluid.

If you identify the signs that your fluid needs changing, and if you’ve never done that before, your best bet may be to bring it in.  Make an appointment at Meineke today, and ensure that your fluid is changed out before you experience any bigger issues or more serious problems with the vehicle!

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Locate the Dipstick

The transmission fluid dipstick looks like the engine oil dipstick. The location will depend on your vehicle. Here’s how to locate the dipstick: 

• Step 1:Leave the engine running and open the hood to your car. The car must be warm when you check transmission fluid. 
• Step 2:If you have an inline engine, look behind your oil dipstick, toward your windshield, to locate the transmission fluid dipstick.
• Step 3: If you have a front-wheel drive vehicle, look to the right of your oil. The transmission fluid dipstick will likely be located near your car’s battery.

Safety Tip: Cars with a manual transmission must be raised on a hoist to access a special plug at the bottom of the vehicle. If you feel unsafe doing this on your own, or you do not have the proper equipment, consult a mechanic for guidance on how to check transmission oil.

Once you’ve located the dipstick, it’s time to assess your fluid levels. The process should take only a few minutes if you’re familiar with your vehicle. Here’s how to check transmission fluid:

• Step 1: Remove the dipstick. Make sure the engine is running and your car is in park or neutral. The parking brake (also known as the emergency brake) should be on as well.
• Step 2: Wear plastic gloves if you have sensitive skin. Touch the tip of the dipstick with your finger. Rub the fluid between your thumb and index finger, checking to see if the color is clean and clear/pink. Look for burnt particles or a dark color. If you notice burnt particles or a dark color, you should have your transmission fluid changed by a professional. If not, proceed to step three.
• Step 3: Wipe the dipstick clean with a lint-free cloth and re-insert it back into the transmission fluid. Remove the dipstick again and check the level. The fluid should reach the “FULL” line. If not, add a small amount of transmission fluid at a time, checking to make sure you don’t overfill.

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Transmission Fluid Tips and Maintenance

Maintain proper transmission fluid levels to keep your vehicle running smoothly. Here are a few tips to help preserve your car and transmission:

• Checking transmission fluid levels can be more difficult depending on the make and model of your car. Consult your owner’s manual before performing any of the steps above.
• Check levels at least once per year. Many mechanics will do this as part of a routine service. You can do this on your own more often as well to ensure optimal performance. 
• Many experts recommend changing your transmission fluid every 30,000 to 50,000 miles. 

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Signs of Low Transmission Fluid

Here are the common signs of low transmission fluid:

• A burning smell inside or outside your car.
• Grinding or vibrating when shifting gears.
• The vehicle is shifting gears slowly or not accelerating properly.
• The car feels rough, particularly when shifting gears or performing tasks like accelerating onto the freeway.

Learning how to check your transmission fluid is simple and will help you keep up with your car's maintenance while saving money on repairs. Make sure to check out The Home Depot's wide variety of transmission fluids to keep your car in great condition. Shop online today and find the right transmission fluid for your vehicle. 

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