How to Check Transmission Fluid

There are plenty of fluids in your car to keep track of, from the engine coolant and the power steering fluid to the brake fluid. One of the most essential is the transmission fluid, which helps your transmission work at its very best.

If you've ever wondered how to check transmission fluid, Audi North Miami has you covered. Drivers near Miami, Hollywood, and Miami Beach can use this guide to learn how to check their automatic or manual transmission fluid (the process differs for each) and practice good car care. Contact us to learn more!

Checking Automatic Transmission Fluid

To check the fluid level, it's important to warm up the car first before doing so. If the car is checked while it's still cool, it might give an inaccurate reading when using the dipstick. After driving for about 10 minutes or so, park your car on an even surface and leave it running. Shift through the gears slowly and give the transmission a chance to spend a few seconds in each gear range. Then, put the gear shifter back into park and set the parking brake.

These days, automatic transmissions are much more common than manual ones, so we'll start with them first. Checking your automatic transmission fluid is a lot like checking your engine oil, but there's one big difference: you'll want to check transmission fluid with the engine running, as transmission fluid expands in the heat.

1. Pop the hood and find the transmission fluid dipstick. 
2. When the engine is warm, pull out the dipstick to check the color and consistency of the transmission fluid. It should be a bright, translucent, pinkish-red color. If it looks dark brown or black, smells burnt, or feels gritty, it's time for a change.
3. Wipe down the dipstick with a lint-free cloth and reinsert it into your transmission. 
4. When you pull it out again, check where the fluid line reaches on the dipstick. If it doesn't reach the "full" line, use a funnel to pour just enough fluid in to reach that line. Don't overfill!

Every car is different, and in recent years, many manufacturers have removed the dipstick and replaced it with a sealed unit, which can require an electronic testing device or computer scan. If you don't feel confident checking the transmission fluid level on your own or your car has a sealed unit and no dipstick present, contact our Audi service team!

Checking Manual Transmission Fluid

If you have a manual transmission, checking the fluid is a bit trickier-but nothing you can't handle. You'll need to get under your car to check the fluid level, so if ground clearance is low, lift the vehicle with a car jack and use jack stands on all four corners to keep it secure.

Then, you're done with the tricky part! Now, you just need to find and remove the transmission plug (usually on the upper side of the transmission case) and check the oil level. It should reach the bottom of the hole. If it doesn't, add fluid until it starts to flow out the hole.

Signs You Need to Check Transmission Fluid

Now that you know how to check transmission fluid, we want to help you recognize the warning signals that something's wrong that may require transmission repair. Here's a short list of symptoms that may result from bad transmission fluid:

• Grinding or squealing while shifting
• Transmission slips out of gear periodically
• Car shifts harder (or earlier or later) than it should
• Car surges forward or backward when you put your foot on the gas or brake

If you notice these signs, don't wait around. Check your transmission fluid levels and schedule service, if necessary.

Transmission Repair and Service

When adding fluids on your own time, use the fluid recommended by the manufacturer, which can often be found in the owner's manual. If the transmission needs more than a quart of liquid or it seems to be using liquid frequently, it should be inspected by an Audi service technician to see if any leak can be detected.

If you do need service on your transmission, our team of trained experts is happy to help you with any vehicle repairs. Additionally, we're happy to help you through every step of the process, so you can understand the repairs your vehicle requires.

Schedule Fluid Level Inspections at Audi North Miami

Like we said earlier, there are a lot of fluids you need to maintain to keep your car at its best. If you need your transmission fluid or any other fluid checked and you don't want to get down and dirty yourself, you can visit the service center at Audi North Miami.

We'll top off all your fluids and ensure that they're in optimal condition for the road ahead. If you live or drive near Miami, Hollywood, or Miami Beach, schedule your maintenance appointment today!