A car transmission is something that can cause serious mechanical problems, not only is it hard to actually understand the operation of the transmission, but many don’t realize that you need to regularly check and potentially change your transmission fluid.
Knowing when it is low, how to refill it, and how much liquid to add, can be hard to understand and conceive as a novice, but we are here to help you out and hopefully save you a costly trip to the mechanic who might not be so forthcoming with a novice.
In this article we will cover what a transmission is and why it is important to work, how to check your transmission fluid as well as how to re fill it and how much fluid to add.
Read on to learn more about mechanics.
What Is A Transmission?
The transmission in a vehicle is responsible for changing gears and making sure all the right parts get where they’re supposed to go.
It’s also responsible for providing power to the wheels, which means it has to have enough oil flowing through it to do its job.
The transmission is part of the engine, and it’s attached to the drive shaft by way of a clutch assembly.
In simplicity, the transmission is the mechanical part of your car that is responsible for changing gears, but is also a big part of the engine that creates the car’s motion.
There are three main types of transmissions: automatic, semi-automatic, and manual.
Automatic transmissions are becoming less common these days, but there are still many vehicles that come equipped with them.
Semi-automatic transmissions are similar to automatics, except they allow the driver to select one gear at a time.
Manual transmissions are still the most popular type of transmission as they are easy to operate.
They can be found on almost every kind of vehicle, including trucks, SUVs, UTVs, and more.
It should be clear that the transmission is an integral part of the car that requires attention and maintenance in order for your car to work effectively.
When it is damaged or broken, you should always put your attention towards fixing it.
Don’t try driving if you know your transmission is in the gutter.
How To Check Your Transmission’s Fluid Level?
To check the level of your transmission fluid, first locate the dipstick (the stick that sticks up from the bottom of the transmission).
This is usually located near the back of the transmission or under the hood. In most modern domestic cars it is under the hood and should be clear.
Simply pull the dipstick out, and it should give you a reading of how high or low the oil is.
Most dipsticks have markers on to show you where it should be, and where the transmission liquid is too low.
Most car manuals will recommend doing two readings in order to be diligent, wipe it off in between readings for accuracy also.
If your transmission is leaking, you may notice a puddle underneath the vehicle.
If you find any leaks, stop driving immediately and contact an auto repair shop.
We wouldn’t suggest trying to deal with a leaky transmission unless you are a mechanic.
As we outlined, the transmission is really important, so if it is leaking you should stop your car and call an expert.
Re Filling Your Transmission With Correct Amount Of Oil
Now that you have checked your transmission fluid, let’s talk about how to properly refill it.
You want to make sure you have added the correct amount of oil to your transmission.
There are several different ways to do this, but the best method is to follow the instructions in your manual.
You should never add more than the recommended amount of oil, because adding too much could damage your transmission.
The manual will tell you exactly how much oil to add, but you should keep in mind that it is a very small amount.
It’s also worth understanding that different cars may have different transmissions, as well as how much liquid they require.
In general, you should fill your transmission with 3/4 of a quart of transmission fluid.
However, some vehicles may require 1/2 a quart or even a full quart.
If you aren’t sure what the proper amount of fluid is, it is important that you consult your car’s manual, as it will give you accurate measurements.
If you are worried you have filled it up too much, the dipstick often has some less accurate readings of when you have gone over and when you haven’t put in enough, based on small marks on the dipstick itself.
Where Can I Buy Transmission Fluid?
Firstly, you should consider which transmission fluid your car needs.
There are different types of transmission fluid that can change depending on the model and make of your car, as well as the type of transmission it has.
However, you can find this out with certainty in the car manual for your own car.
If you walk into most car repair shops or mechanics, they will often be able to tell you, and often sell you, the right kind of transmission fluid.
However, once you have consulted your car manual, you can buy transmission fluid easily online, so far as you know which you need.
This is an example of transmission fluid for a Ford, this would be for a Honda, Amazon will stock most domestic car transmission oils, just make sure you are buying the right one.
Final Thoughts
Changing your car transmission fluid can be a bit of a procedure, especially if you aren’t a mechanic, so if you don’t feel confident in changing your transmission fluid then you shouldn’t attempt it yourself.
Instead, always get professional help from a qualified technician who knows what they’re doing.
Yet, it is totally possible to manually change your transmission fluid if you feel up to the task.
We would always recommend double-checking every measurement, the correct fluid, whether you are pulling on the right part, this will ensure your safety as well as your car’s longevity.