We all know the adage about an ounce of prevention. To keep your car’s transmission in smooth working order, that means checking the fluid regularly between changes. Fortunately for cars with automatic transmissions, checking the fluid levels is easy and only takes a few minutes. Here’s a basic walk-through of what you’ll need to do.

1. With your car in park, turn the engine on. You want to check the fluid while the engine is running and warm to get a true reading. If you’re checking the fluid on a cold day, let the car warm up a few minutes.

2. Pop the hood and locate the transmission fluid dipstick. Remember your car has a dipstick for crank case (engine) oil and another for transmission fluid. Often these are marked or color-coded to avoid confusion, but if not, there’s an easy way to tell them apart. In cars with an in-line engine, the transmission fluid dipstick is usually located closest to the passenger compartment. In cars with a transverse engine alignment, the transmission fluid dipstick is to the right (if you’re facing the engine) of the radiator.

3. With the car running, pull the transmission fluid dipstick and touch your thumb to the fluid on the dipstick to check its consistency. Check that it is smooth and slippery. It should appear pink and almost clear. As fluid degrades, it loses its viscosity and can cause unnecessary wear to your transmission. Also be sure that the fluid is free of grit or particles, as these are indications that the fluid is contaminated and in need of changing. The fluid should not have a burnt smell, as this also indicates unnecessary friction and wear.

4. Reinsert the dipstick and draw it out again to check that the level meets the “Full” line. If the fluid is low, you’ll need to add some. To avoid spillage, it’s best to keep a plastic funnel handy. Add fluid and re-measure until the “Full” line is reached. Do not overfill.

Some manufacturers recommend specific weights and types of transmission fluid for optimal operation of the vehicle. Check your owner’s manual to see what type of fluid the manufacturer suggests. Be aware that heavy-use vehicles may need more frequent transmission fluid changes.

If your vehicle seems to “clunk” into gear or if shifting seems stiff or stubborn, be sure to check the transmission fluid. A slow transmission fluid leak can rob your transmission of needed lubricant. Be sure the levels and quality of the fluid are maintained, and if you suspect a leak, get your vehicle checked by a transmission professional such as Main Line Transmission, as soon as possible.

About Main Line Transmission: Since 1987, Main Line Transmissions has given drivers in the Wayne, Devon, Berwyn, Paoli, Malvern, Exton West Chester and surrounding areas the best transmission service available. Working only on transmissions of every make or model, our technicians are experts through certification, continual training and years of experience.