How and Why You Should Check Your Transmission Regularly

Most drivers don’t think about their car’s transmission until there’s a problem. However, transmission maintenance is important to keeping your car running smoothly. Today, we’ll talk about why you should check your transmission regularly and how to do it. By the end of this post, you’ll know everything you need to keep your transmission in top condition.

Why You Should Check Your Transmission Regularly

Your transmission is one of the most important parts of your car. It’s responsible for transferring power from the engine to the wheels. Without a properly functioning transmission, your car won’t be able to move.

Transmissions are made up of many moving parts, which can wear down over time. This wear and tear can cause your transmission to become less efficient, which can lead to decreased performance and fuel economy. In extreme cases, a damaged transmission can even cause your car to break down completely.

For these reasons, it’s important to check your transmission regularly and address any problems early on. The good news is that checking your transmission is easy to do and only takes a few minutes.

How to Check Your Transmission

There are two main ways to check your transmission: visually and via a test drive.

To check your transmission visually, start by opening the hood of your car and locating the dipstick. The dipstick will be clearly labeled with “transmission.” Once you’ve found it, pull it out and wipe it clean with a rag or paper towel. Reinsert the dipstick all the way back into the tube and then pull it out again. This time, take a look at where the fluid level falls on the dipstick.

If the fluid level is low, that means you need to add more fluid to your transmission. You can do this by purchasing transmission fluid at any auto parts store and adding it yourself or by taking your car in for service and having a professional handle it for you.

If the fluid level is high or if there is evidence of leaks, that could be an indication of a more serious problem with your transmission that will need to be addressed by a mechanic as soon as possible.

The second way to check your transmission is by taking it for a test drive. Start by driving around for a few minutes in stop-and-go traffic so that the transmission has a chance to warm up properly. Once it’s warmed up, head out onto the highway and drive at a consistent speed for 10 miles or so. Then exit the highway and come to a complete stop in traffic. Pay attention to how the car behaves during each part of this process; if there are any strange noises or unexpected jerks, those could be signs that something is wrong with your transmission.

Checking your transmission is an important part of vehicle maintenance that too many drivers overlook. By taking just a few minutes every month or so to visually inspect your transmission fluid level and go for a short test drive, you can catch potential problems early on before they turn into expensive repairs down the road.