Why You Should Check Your Car's Automatic Transmission Fluid Regularly

If you look after your car's transmission it can, very often, last for its lifetime. Yet you need to understand the importance of regular maintenance, as well as best driving techniques. One of the most crucial tasks for you, as a driver, is to ensure that the fluid is kept in good condition as this truly is the lifeblood of this component. What do you need to know to help you be the best caretaker?

Checks You Can Make

From time to time you will need to check that the level of your automatic transmission fluid is sufficient. Some vehicles will come equipped with a dipstick, which will be similar to the one attached to your engine. In many cases, the location of the dipstick will also be the access point to add any fluid.

It's usually best to check the fluid when it is warm and then to make sure that it is in between the two lines on the fluid level stick.

When you check the level you also need to be looking for unusual signs. What you find will determine your next course of action.

What You Should Find

If you find very small black specks within the fluid, don't be too alarmed as this is fairly normal. Usually, these are very tiny particles of material from the clutch pack, which break off during normal wear and tear. If it's been a long time since you changed the fluid in your gearbox, this might be the time for you to flush it out and refill it. It largely depends on how many miles you do each year, as if you are racking them up then you may need to do this annually.

When to Be Cautious

When you check the transmission fluid level, do you notice a distinct "burnt" smell when you first withdraw the dipstick? Does the fluid have a blackened appearance, or do you notice tiny metal specks? If so, you need to be worried. This is a sign that the transmission has been significantly overworked and damage has been caused to the internal components.

You might think that this makes it even more important for you to flush out the old liquid and replace, but this is the last thing that you should do. Usually in this case it is better to add any new liquid if needed but to leave everything as it is. It's not uncommon for a transmission to fail immediately after a flush in this situation.

It's likely that the transmission will fail in time, but your best course of action is to plan to get it replaced rather than to risk it changing through "intervention." Remember, that the liquid that you see when you check the levels should be the same colour and should smell the same as the new liquid that you put in.

What to Do Next?

When in doubt, ask a qualified mechanic for their opinion first.