How To Check If You Need a Transmission Fluid Change
Recently, a service tech explained that it’s time to change your transmission fluid. So, you may be wondering if you can hold off on getting your transmission fluid change. Toyota of Clermont tech experts are here to give you the rundown on how your transmission fluid contributes to the overall health of your Toyota.
What is transmission fluid?
It’s a lubricant fluid that runs throughout your car. Its purpose and importance rely on making sure that the bearings and metal parts inside a car’s manual gearbox keep them from grinding down as they move. It works differently depending on what type of transmission you have. For example, let’s discuss a manual car vs an automatic transmission.
Automatic transmission: These require a smooth transmission fluid that is more popular.
Manual Transmission: These usually go into older models that need a heavier transmission fluid.
How to check your transmission fluid?
Step 1: Make sure your engine is running at normal operating temperatures to ensure an accurate reading of the transmission fluid level. If the transmission fluid is cold it can lead to an inaccurate understanding of the transmission fluid level.
Step 2: Check and ensure your Clermont Toyota is parked or in neutral on a flat surface.
Step 3: Now it’s time to open up your hood and locate the transmission fluid dipstick.
Step 4: Remove the dipstick and check to see if the tip is covered with transmission fluid to the full indicator line. If it’s not completely at the indicator line, then top it off.
Step 5: To make sure the transmission fluid doesn’t need to be changed, wipe the dipstick clean with a microfiber cloth and check the transmission fluid again.
Step 6: You want to make sure that the dipstick is clean by wiping the cloth to check if the fluid is dark or discolored. If it is then go ahead and get the transmission fluid inspected and possibly changed.
How often should I change my transmission fluid?
It’s recommended that you change your transmission fluid dipstick every time you get an oil change. This can be done depending on your transmission type. For example, an automatic transmission fluid should be changed between 30,000 and 100,000 miles.
It’s expected to change your transmission fluid dipstick at every oil change. the factory-recommended interval for changing the automatic transmission fluid was typically between 30,000 and 100,000 miles.
How to change your transmission fluid?
Tools needed: socket, fluid catch pan, a funnel, and appropriate transmission fluid
- Park the car and locate the transmission fluid pan.
- Drain the old transmission fluid
- Check the transmission fluid filter and change it if it has cracks or leaks.
- Secure the transmission fluid pan
- Refill the transmission fluid
- Make sure there aren’t any leaks
If you want to skip all of these steps and you want to leave your transmission fluid change up to the experts head to our service center here at Toyota of Clermont!
Schedule your transmission fluid change here at Toyota of Clermont
Schedule your oil change service with us today! Toyota of Clermont is open seven days a week for your convenience at 16851 State Road 50 in Clermont, FL.