How to Check Your Transmission Fluid

Learning basic car care is important to owning your own vehicle in Kettering, because it makes it easier for you to spot issues before they become major repairs down the line. Your vehicle’s transmission is what propels it forward, and it’s vital that you keep it in good health otherwise you’re going to be stuck in place. 

Staying up to date with your routine service includes knowing how often you check your transmission fluid, and learning how to check your transmission fluid as well. If you’re not sure how to check your transmission fluid, then the service team at Mercedes-Benz of Centerville has broken it down for you so you can easily do it from your Springboro home. Contact us if you have any questions about the process, or find out more below.

Checking Transmission Fluid: Step-by-Step Guide 

To discover how to check your transmission fluid, simply follow these steps:

1. Turn your engine on and allow it to warm up before proceeding. Make sure your car is properly parked on level ground before you pop the hood.
2. Locate the transmission fluid dipstick. On FWD cars, you can usually find it located to the right of the oil dipstick. Your owner’s manual will have the exact location if you’re having trouble finding it. 
3. Remove the dipstick and touch the fluid. Move it around between your thumb and forefinger. The fluid should be almost clear with a pink hue. If it looks dirty or smells burnt, you’ll need to visit our service center for new fluid. 
4. Wipe off the dipstick with a rag. Then fully reinsert it into the vehicle. Remove it once again and check the level. If it’s below the “Full” marking, you’ll need to carefully add more fluid with a funnel.

If this job feels a bit too big for your Springboro garage, don’t fret. You can rely on the service professionals at Mercedes-Benz of Centerville to care for your vehicle quickly and efficiently.

Checking the Fluid in a Sealed Transmission

If there’s no dipstick to be found under the hood, then your car is most likely equipped with a sealed transmission. You may be asking, “What is a sealed transmission?” A sealed transmission does not mean “can’t be accessed” – it simply means that you can’t check it in a traditional way with a dipstick. 

If your vehicle has a sealed transmission do not attempt to check your transmission fluid level; you may damage the transmission as a result. Instead, turn the keys over to our factory-trained technicians for service. 

How Often Do You Check Your Transmission Fluid?

The purpose of a sealed transmission is to limit the amount of wasted transmission fluid, saving you money in the long run. So, how often do you check your transmission fluid with a sealed transmission? Keep an eye out for the following red flags, which will serve as a warning that you have a problem with your sealed transmission:

• You hear strange noises when you change gears on the Oakwood streets
• You feel hesitation when changing gears
• There’s a noticeable delay when the gears change as you accelerate

Transmission Fluid Basics

Your transmission is incredibly complex, so it’s important to keep the following in mind:

• Not all transmission fluid is the same. Different models require different fluids. Along with that, manual and automatic transmissions will have different needs. Once again, your owner’s manual will offer the information you require to add the proper transmission fluid.
• Usually, when checking the fluid on a manual transmission, you’ll need a jack to access the plug under the car. For most drivers, it’s much easier to visit our service center for this type of car. 
• If your car hesitates before shifting gears, you may be low on transmission fluid. However, it could also be indicative of a more serious issue. Check the fluid first, but if it’s sufficient, book an appointment with us today.
• In most cases, you’ll want to replace your transmission fluid every 50,000 to 100,000 miles. Your habits, transmission type, and other factors can impact the actual mileage. 

Trust the Team at Mercedes-Benz of Centerville Today

Still don’t know how often you check your transmission fluid, or looking for the answers to other questions? Our service center is here to make owning your vehicle just a little easier by making complete car care simpler.