CHECK TRANSMISSION FLUID
Whether you drive a manual or an automatic car, your transmission system is critical to performance and transmission fluids play a vital role in keeping your gearbox from grinding. Modern engines create tremendous pressures and it is the gears that connect your engine to the wheels. A failed or broken transmission system is a major expense and you should check transmission fluid regularly. This quick guide tells you how to check automatic transmission fluids and how to check the level of manual transmission fluids. It also tells you how to check transmission fluid with a dipstick and how to check transmission fluid without a dipstick.
How often to check your transmission fluid
Transmission fluids can sometimes leak and, when they do, it can prove very expensive. For peace of mind, it is advisable to check transmission fluid as regularly as once a month.
Step by step instructions for checking your vehicle’s transmission fluid
- Run your engine for 5 to 10 minutes making sure that your car is parked on a level surface
- Find the transmission fluid dipstick which will be further down in your engine than the engine oil dipstick. If you
cannot locate the dipstick your car may have a sealed transmission system. Your car manual will tell you if this is the case. If you have a sealed transmission, you will need to get under the car to get to the drain and this is best done on a hydraulic car lift. - These instructions therefore continue with how to check transmission fluid with a dipstick.
- Remove the dipstick from its bay, wipe it clean, put it back in and withdraw it again to see how close the reading is
to the “FULL” mark. Take care as the fluid may be hot. - Top up to “FULL” if required pouring transmission fluid into the dipstick hole through a long, thin funnel.
Transmission fluid basics
Transmission systems have to contend with heat, wear and friction and transmission fluids are used to combat and manage these effects. If your transmission fluids are leaking or in need of a change you will experience grinding or slipping of your gears whether you are driving an automatic or a manual car.
The life of a transmission fluid can be up to 100,000 miles but it is important to check its condition regularly in line with the instructions in your car handbook. If the chemicals and additives inside the fluid start to degrade, it’s time for a change.
Castrol TRANSMAX – enabling longer transmission life
Whether a car is automatic or manual, Castrol TRANSMAX range has the right transmission fluid for the vehicle, providing enhanced protection to all moving parts which enables longer transmission life. Check the specifications in your user manual to find the right product.
Castrol has over 100 years of experience in developing transmission and axle fluids and is the choice of many leading car and transmissions manufacturers for factory-fill products.
We offer a complete range of transmission fluids to meet your car’s requirements.
