How to Check Your Transmission Fluid

In addition to routine maintenance at your Land Rover service center, it’s good to regularly check parts of your vehicle — like tire treads and fluid levels. Understanding how to check your transmission fluid can help you keep an eye out for maintenance issues before they become serious and leave you stranded around Edgewater or Crofton.

Steps for Checking Your Transmission Fluid

1. Turn your vehicle on; the engine needs to warm up.
2. Find your transmission fluid dipstick. It’s often located to the right of your oil dipstick, but your owner’s manual will have its exact location.
3. Remove the transmission fluid dipstick and touch the fluid. Rub the fluid between your thumb and forefinger: it should be almost clear, with a pink tint.
4. Dirty or burnt smelling transmission fluid means it’s time to call your local service center.
5. Wipe the dipstick down with a rag and insert it back in its place. Then pull the dipstick back out again to check the level — it should be at or above the “Full” marking.
6. If you are low on transmission fluid, you can add more yourself — with a funnel — or bring your vehicle to our service center.

How Often Do You Check Your Transmission Fluid?

You should check your car’s fluids regularly — we recommend monthly for essentials like transmission fluid and coolant. As always, you can consult your owner’s manual for a more specific maintenance schedule. While you’re under the hood, it’s always a good idea to check your oil level, too. Find out how often to change your oil today!

Transmission Fluid Basics

A transmission is a complex piece of machinery, and if you aren’t comfortable under the hood of your vehicle, you might want to leave even minor checks like this to the pros. Before you check your transmission fluid, we have some tips:

• Not all transmission fluid is the same, and you want to use manufacturer recommended fluids when doing any repair or maintenance work.
• Checking the transmission fluid on a manual transmission often requires a jack to access a plug beneath the vehicle — why not let our service center handle that one?
• Hesitance when shifting gears could signal low transmission fluid, but it could also be a more serious problem. Check the fluid level, then visit Land Rover Annapolis for service.
• Transmission fluid needs replacing. While its lifespan can be found in your manual, many recommend somewhere between 50,000 and 100,000 miles.

Learn More Service Tips at Land Rover Annapolis

Whether you have questions about checking your transmission fluid or other maintenance needs, the Land Rover Annapolis team is here to help. Contact us today or schedule your service appointment online to see why drivers from Annapolis to Severna Park choose us for car care.

Continuing your research? Find out what an alternator is with a little help from our parts department. We can also help you perform DIY car maintenance, like how to check your coolant levels.