A Guide to Inspecting, Topping Up, and Flushing Your Transmission and Differential Fluids
Clean, adequate levels of transmission and differential fluids are essential for your car or truck to operate properly and efficiently.
Transmission fluid is important, lubricating keeping seals soft, protecting internal parts, and acting as a coolant for your transmission. According to AAA Auto Club, www.aaa.com, it's important to inspect your transmission fluid and top up as needed. Most automakers follow a certain schedule for flushing your transmission to change the fluid completely. You can usually find this maintenance schedule in your owner's manual.
Checking Your Automatic Transmission Fluid (For Automatic Vehicles)
- Make sure your car or truck is on a flat surface with its engine running and the transmission in neutral. Some autos must be in park to check the transmission, so it might be wise to check your owner's manual to be sure which is right for your car.
- Raise the hold and locate your transmissions dipstick. Be cautious to avoid making content with any hot or moving engine parts.
- Remove dipstick, wipe off the fluid, and re-insert it. Remove dipstick again, check the fluid level to ensure it is within the 'Full' range. Add more if need be.
- Check the fluid quality. Clean automatic transmission fluid usually has a pink tint. Amber to brown fluid should be replaced. Brown or black, burnt-smelling fluid may be the sign of a major problem.
According to AAA, on most models, finding an easily accessible way to check manual transmission and differential fluid levels is very difficult. It is recommended that service and inspection of these fluids be performed by a qualified technician. Refer to your owner's manual for specific service information.
Should your transmission need to be flushed, it's usually best to go to a professional.
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