How to Check Your Transmission Fluid

Knowing how to check your transmission fluid is a key part of your Mazda maintenance schedule, allowing you to spot possible issues before they escalate. Learn how with these easy steps from the service experts at Freeway Mazda!

Checking Your Transmission Fluid: Step-by-Step Guide

Your vehicle’s transmission is what keeps it moving forward in Langley, so monitoring its performance is vital. Follow these steps to check your transmission fluid:

1. Warm your engine by letting it run for a few minutes, ensuring the car is in park before popping the hood.
2. Find the transmission fluid dipstick, typically located to the right of the oil dipstick. Consult your owner’s manual if you’re not sure.
3. Remove the dipstick and touch the fluid, moving it around between your thumb and forefinger. Ideally, the fluid should be nearly clear, with a pink hue. If it looks dirty or gives off a burnt smell, take it to a service centre for replacement.
4. Use a rag to wipe off the dipstick before inserting it back into the vehicle. Pull it out again and check the level. If it’s under the “Full” marking, you’ll need to add more.
5. Using a funnel, refill the fluid level up to the right spot, being careful not to overfill.

If at any point you feel unsure about your transmission fluid, schedule a service appointment at your Surrey service centre. From there, our certified technicians can help answer all your questions.

Checking the Fluid in a Sealed Transmission

What is a sealed transmission? If your vehicle doesn’t have a dipstick, it’s likely your car has a sealed transmission. This doesn’t mean your transmission can’t be accessed, but it does mean you won’t be able to check the transmission fluid yourself. In these cases, you’ll need an experienced service professional to perform this task.

When to Check the Fluid in a Sealed Transmission

Sealed transmissions aim to limit wasted transmission fluid, which can be a real money saver over time. But even with this sealed system, you’ll still need to replace your transmission fluid every so often. If any of the following issues arise, it may be time to for transmission service in Burnaby:

• The gears hesitate before changing.
• During acceleration, there’s a noticeable delay when the gears shift.
• You can hear strange noises when the gears change.

How Often Do You Check Your Transmission Fluid?

Checking all your vehicle’s fluids on a monthly basis is the best way to spot any major changes or issues before they get worse and you find yourself on the side of the road in Burnaby or Vancouver. In addition to checking your transmission fluid, keeping an eye on your engine oil and power steering fluid is a smart way to save yourself trouble down the line.

Transmission Fluid Basics

As one of the most complex components of your vehicle, your transmission requires a lot of know-how to keep it working properly. Here are some of our top transmission tips:

• There is a wide range of transmission fluids available, and depending on your Mazda model and transmission type, you’ll need to use the right one. Check your owner’s manual to be sure.
• While it’s possible to check your transmission fluid at home, the task does require several tools, such as a jack to access a plug underneath your car. If you don’t feel confident propping up your vehicle, it’s better to schedule service.
• Replace your transmission fluid when advised by your owner’s manual, keeping in mind that your driving habits in Vancouver may affect the actual interval.

Rely on Freeway Mazda For All Your Service Needs

When it’s time for Mazda service in Surrey, work with the pros at Freeway Mazda! We want you to feel confident about maintaining your vehicle, which is why we’ve collected our favourite service tips and tricks just for you, including how to reset your tire pressure light and more!