Do You Need to Change Your Transmission Fluid?

Transmission fluid should be changed periodically, but when should you change it? You may be wondering if your transmission fluid needs to be changed and how often should it be changed. In this blog, we will discuss when to change your transmission fluid and how to check it.

Changing Your Transmission Fluid Regularly

Transmission fluid needs to be checked and changed regularly. The question is not do you need to change your transmission fluid, but rather when to change it. There is no precise time that the transmission fluid should be changed, other than when it is low, dirty, or no longer functioning properly. For the highest efficiency, the transmission fluid should be changed every two to three years, even if the fluid appears normal.

For optimal performance, we recommend that you check your transmission fluid every month. This not only will get you into a good habit, but it can catch early signs of low or dirty transmission fluid. If you ever notice reddish fluid underneath your vehicle, it could mean that your transmission fluid is low. Low transmission must be addressed soon after it is discovered. The longer it goes without getting addressed to more transmission problems it can cause. 

Checking Your Transmission Fluid Regularly

To check your transmission fluid at home, decide on how often you would like to start checking the fluid. Start by locating the dipstick labeled “transmission” or “transmission fluid.” You will want to make sure that the transmission fluid is at the required level on the dipstick. Inspect the quantity and quality of the transmission fluid.

When checking your transmission fluid, look for these two things:

1.      Adequate fluid level – Is there a proper amount of transmission fluid?

2.      Quality – Is the transmission fluid dark and dirty or red and clean? Does it have an odor or is it odorless?

If you have any issue with the quantity or quality of your transmission fluid, get your vehicle to a transmission shop to help resolve your problem. If you are fortunate to catch it early, it may be an easy fix and not affect other parts of the transmission. Reach out to Eagle Transmission Repair in Mesquite today to get your transmission changed by a professional technician. We Serve all of Dallas and surrounding areas like Lancaster,  Rowlett, Garland and more!