How to Check Your Transmission Fluid

Does your car shift roughly from one gear to the next? Don’t assume your transmission needs to be rebuilt. Before you get worked up, there’s one important thing to consider! How often do you check your transmission fluid? If you’re running low, it can seriously affect the performance of your transmission.

Fortunately, checking your transmission fluid isn’t hard. A lot of our Philadelphia area customers do it themselves. If you don’t have a clue where to start, don’t worry! We explain below how to check your transmission fluid in a hurry.

How to Check Your (Automatic) Transmission Fluid

Checking the fluid level in an automatic transmission is fairly simple. Just make sure to do this while the engine is running and already warm.

• Locate the correct dipstick (don’t confuse it with the oil dipstick!). If your car is an RWD model, you’ll find the dipstick towards the back of the engine, usually on the passenger side. If your car uses FWD, the dipstick will be towards the front of the engine, usually on the driver side.
• Look at the fluid that is on the dipstick, and make sure that it is pink, and doesn’t have flecks of metal in it. If it looks dirty, you will need to have the fluid changed.
• Wipe the dipstick clean and re-insert it.
• Take the dipstick back out and check the level.
• If the level is low, use a funnel and top off the fluid through the dipstick tube. Be careful not to overfill.

How to Check Your (Manual) Transmission Fluid

Checking the fluid level in a manual transmission is a little more complicated, as the car needs to be lifted while you do this. Your car will need to be secured on jack stands or a hoist.

• Locate the fluid fill plug. It is usually half-way up the side of the transmission.
• Unscrew the plug.
• Stick your finger in the plug hole. Examine the fluid on your finger. If it looks dirty (not pink), it is time to change your fluid.
• If you can’t feel fluid, then top off the fluid through the hole.

Never get under your car when it is only on jacks! In most cases, it’s much quicker and easier to entrust your vehicle to the experts at a local service center.

How Often Do You Check Your Transmission Fluid?

How often you should check your transmission fluid is determined by the manufacturer, so you can always check your owner’s manual for details. Most BMW vehicles should have their transmission fluid checked at least once a year, but there’s no harm in doing so more often.

If you’re not the DIY type, ask your technicians to check your transmission fluid levels whenever you get your oil changed. Most oil and lube places do this anyway, without you even having to ask. Just make sure it is done. After all, you don’t want to find yourself broken down somewhere in the greater Williamstown area!

Let the Experts at BMW of Turnersville Check Your Transmission Fluid

Our service team will check your car’s fluids as a regular part of scheduled maintenance. If your car is giving you trouble, bring it in. We’ll take care of it. Did you know we have service specials available? You can even schedule service online. While you’re here, you might as well check out our BMW X3 lease specials or our other new vehicle incentives. We’re just a short drive away from Sewell, so drop by or contact us today.

While you’re here, find out how to change a car tire or learn more about your BMW warning lights online.