How to check automatic transmission fluid

Owning a car comes with a long list of responsibilities, including keeping up with regular vehicle maintenance. Fortunately, there are actions you can take at home to make sure your vehicle’s mechanics are working correctly. For instance, you can follow these steps for how to check your car’s automatic transmission fluid to ensure the transmission is in proper working condition.

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7 Steps to check your car’s transmission fluid level and consistency

1. Put your car in park or neutral gear on a level surface with the parking brake on.
2. Open your front hood and locate the transmission dipstick. You may need to refer to your vehicle owner’s manual to find out where it is.
3. Pull out the dipstick and place some transmission fluid on your index finger.
4. Rub the fluid between your index finger and thumb to check the color and consistency. It should be a pinkish, almost clear color. If the fluid smells strange or has bubbles or particles in it, have a mechanic drain and change it.
5. Wipe the dipstick with a rag, reinsert it, and pull it out again.
6. This time, take note of the fluid level. If it is below the Full line, use a funnel to add a little bit of transmission fluid at a time. Make sure you check the level periodically so you don’t overfill.
7. Pay attention to the rate at which your fluid level changes. If you notice a sudden, unusual drop, be sure to have your transmission checked out by a professional.

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If you have any questions about how to check automatic transmission fluid, feel free to contact our team at Toyota Vacaville. Our team of service professionals is happy to help in any way we can.

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