How to Check Transmission Fluids
At Rockwall Ford, we often have drivers ask us how to check transmission fluids. While this is a service, we’re always happy to perform for our Rockwall, Mesquite, and Garland area customers, it’s also something you can do on your own if you prefer.
Check out our four steps for checking your transmission fluid below.
1.Put Your Car in Park and run the Engine
The first step to checking your transmission is getting everything warmed up. With your car in park, start your engine and keep it running. We recommend using protective gloves because it will get hot under the hood.
2.Find the Dipstick
Next, you’ll want to find your transmission fluid dipstick. If your car has rear-wheel drive, you’ll probably find it near the rear of the engine. Front-wheel drive cars, on the other hand, usually have their dipstick toward the front, right corner of the engine compartment.
3.Take a Look at Your Transmission Fluid
When you pull the dipstick out, you should see a pinkish or almost clear liquid. If it’s a dark color, has particles in it, or smells burnt, you’ll want to change your transmission fluid. Make an appointment with your dealership’s service center as soon as possible.
4.Check Transmission Fluid Level
The final step is to check your transmission fluid level. Wipe off the dipstick with a clean rag, reinsert it, and pull it out again. If the fluid doesn’t reach the “full” line on the dipstick, your levels are too low. You can refill the reservoir yourself by checking your owner’s manual or contacting a factory-trained technician to find out the proper fluid for your vehicle.
We recommend having a professional at a certified service center do it for you. You can make an appointment using our online scheduling portal.
Why Do You Need to Check your Transmission Fluid?
When you change gears, the many parts that make up your transmission move past each other very quickly. Transmission fluid helps to keep these parts lubricated so that they don’t cause damaging friction. It also regulates temperature to prevent your transmission from overheating.
As the fluid moves around your transmission, it can collect particles and other debris and become dirty and sluggish. Unfortunately, dirty oil is not as efficient at doing its job, which may lead to irreparable transmission damage if left unchecked.
To prevent this, check your transmission fluid regularly and flush or change it when it gets dirty.
How Often Should I Check Transmission Fluid?
For newer cars, Ford recommends that you check transmission fluid with every 10,000-mile oil change. This way, you’re getting it looked at every year, if not multiple times per year.
You should also be sure to flush your transmission fluid every 150,000 miles. This is when you clear out any old oil and replace it with completely new liquid. Depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, you may need to do this sooner.
Your technician will be able to provide advice when they check your transmission fluid during your oil change.
We’ll Check Your Transmission Fluid
As you can see, checking transmission fluid is a simple process that you can do on your own in the Mesquite, Rockwall, and Garland areas. However, if you want to have a professional check it for you, you can make an appointment at the Rockwall Ford service center. If we determine that you need to have your fluid changed or flushed, we can also do it for you at that time.
Make an appointment for us to check your transmission fluid today!