How to Check Your Transmission Fluid

Knowing the basics of at-home car care and a few essential service tips can help you drive with greater confidence on Billings roads. In this guide, we’ll outline how to check your transmission fluid so you can add this skill to your personal archive of vehicle ownership knowledge. Additionally, we’ll cover how often do you check your transmission fluid, and how to schedule service should you determine it is necessary!

How to Check Your Transmission Fluid Level and Quality

1. Prepare to inspect the transmission fluid after the car has warmed up a bit. You want to have recently run the engine to get a proper transmission fluid level and health reading.
2. Ensure you are parked on level ground.
3. Locate transmission fluid dipstick by referencing your vehicle’s owner’s manual. 
4. Remove the dipstick.
5. Wipe it clean with a lint-free rag. Reinsert and remove the dipstick again for a clear read (similar to checking engine oil). 
6. See that the transmission fluid level falls between the correct “COOL” or “HOT” marks corresponding to the engine’s current state (if you’re following this guide and warmed up the engine, refer to the HOT end). 
7. If the level falls short of the denoted level, add the type of automatic transmission fluid as specified in your owner’s manual.
8. Now check the quality. Healthy transmission fluid should appear nearly transparent with a hue of red/pink. If it is considerably dark, it is dirty and old.
9. If you detect dirt, debris, or other contaminants in the fluid, it’s time for a system flush. 
10.  Reinsert the dipstick and schedule service if necessary!

How Often Do You Check Your Transmission Fluid?

Responsible Cody Honda drivers will ask our technicians, “how often do you check your transmission fluid?” As a general rule, we recommend that you pop the hood and check all of your vehicle fluid levels at least once a month. This will help you stay on top of your car’s health and avoid an unexpected trip to our Underriner Honda service center.

For a complete transmission fluid replacement, you can expect the need to do so every 60,000 to 100,000 miles depending on your driving habits, use cases, and transmission type. Always refer to your owner’s manual for the most accurate maintenance intervals. 

Schedule Service at Underriner Honda

Our service center is happy to perform your transmission fluid inspection or replacement. Schedule your service online today and we’ll have you in for quick and high-quality service so you can travel from Laurel to Red Lodge with added peace of mind. Be sure to check out our current service specials prior to stopping in to make the most of your visit! Looking for more transmission info? Learn about CVTs with us today!