Last updated on July 24th, 2022 at 07:03 am

Transmission fluid plays an essential role in increasing the performance of a car. It helps to keep the gears lubricated and functioning properly. If your car is having trouble shifting gears, it may be due to low transmission fluid levels. You can check the transmission fluid level by looking at the dipstick and comparing it to the markings on the stick. If you need to add more fluid, ensure you use only type-approved transmission fluids, as incorrect fluids can damage your car’s transmission. It will depend considerably on the vehicle and how you use it.

If you want to keep your car in top running condition, Most car owners’ manuals recommend changing the transmission fluid and filter every 30,000 miles or 30 months. It is not so tough to shift gears due to irregular friction. The fluid contributes to smoothly effective shifting gears. So let’s move on to know the easy way to transmit.

Benefits of Changing Transmission Fluid & Functions

Fluid lubricant components create pressure to rotate the moving parts smoothly without grinding. Take a look at this fluid functions quickly:

  • Changing Transmission Fluid improves fuel economy. It makes easy and quick shifting gears.
  • Decreases the crushing and increases the rotational power.
  • It minimizes transmission Issues. Improves transmission’s cooling function and controls overheating.
  • Helps to gain the highest speed.
  • Provides stability to the gearbox-related elements.

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8 Simple Steps On How To Change Transmission Fluid 

  • Step 1: Park on level ground
  • Step 2: Locate The Transmission Fluid
  • Step 3: Remove the container of fluids
  • Step 4: Drain The Used Transmission Oil
  • Step 5: Examine the fluid that drains out
  • Step 6: Test The Used Liquids
  • Step 7: Replace New Transmission Oil
  • Step 8: Replace the Container

Park on level ground

Make sure your car is parked on level ground and that the engine is cool before beginning. You don’t want to be working under a hot car!

Locate The Transmission Fluid 

The transmission is located left to right under the engine bay in front-wheel drive vehicles. This is normally hangs behind the center console, facing front to back for rear-wheeled vehicles. The Transmission Fluidis located below the transmission with some screws.

Remove the container of fluids

Now remove the container of transmission fluids. Loosen the bolt that holds the container in place using a socket wrench. Gently pull up on the container until it comes free from the car. 

Drain The Used Transmission Oil

After removing the oil container, transmission oil will start draining. Before starting draining, keep a pot under the container to receive the fluids.

Examine the fluid that drains out

Now Examine the fluid that drains out properly. Carefully pour out any remaining fluid into your oil drain pan.

Test The Used Liquids

If the quality of the used fluids is not on the correct scale, now is the time to change it.

Replace New Transmission Oil

Then drain the old fluids & bolt the container with transmission again. You can replace the transmission fluid by funnel according to manual quantity.

Replace the Container

Replace the container by reversing these steps, making sure to tighten down the bolt securely when you’re done.

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Types of Transmission Fluid

There are different types of transmission fluids based on automatic and manual transmission. Fluids usually used in automatic transmissions are not always used in the case of manuals. Let’s talk about the most commonly used transmission fluids:

For Automatic Transmission

  • HFM-Type Fluids – This fluid provides a more effective friction modifier than any transmission fluid. Except for this quality, the rest of its features are similar to other standard transmissions.
  • Dexron Or Mercon Series – Mercon is the most familiar Automatic transmission fluid available on the market. It supplies a variety of grades that improves the gear’s rotation speed.
  • Synthetic Transmission Oil – They are mainly produced by artificially applying chemicals to crude oils. The oil is the only ATF manufactured not only for smooth gear-shifting.

But it is making an overall improvement of the gearbox. It works as a coolant to control heat, decrease friction, etc.

For Manual Transmission

  • Hypoid Oil – Hypoid transmission oil is designed to prevent parts breakdown at high temperatures and gearbox pressure.
  • Motor Oil – Motor oil is usually used in the gearbox as it is similar to gear oil.
  • ATF – Many mechanics recommend automatic transmission fluid for use in manual transmission. The Vehicle should be checked manually in this case.

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When Does The Fluid Need To Change

Change your fluids when it reaches deficient quality. Or you will have problems shifting gears. It can diagnose the low fluids by looking at their color.

Because in the low state transmission fluids change their color to black or any other. Burned oil smell helps to feel the fluids’ lousy situation. A roaring sound is another vital sign to identify the low oil when increasing the car’s rpm.

Changing the Vehicle’s transmission fluid after driving 30000 to 60000 miles is generally recommended. However, everyone should follow their manual for changing the fluid.

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Advantage Of Changing The Transmission Fluid 

Transmission fluids do not need to be changed regularly. But when its quality drops & you need to change fluids at that time. It can face many significant problems if you do not change.

The way will be challenging to shift the gear of your car correctly. In some cases, they cannot change the kit. 

Besides the gearbox, other parts can be damaged. So do not show any reluctance in this matter.

Final Words

To conclude, checking and topping up transmission fluid is a relatively easy process that can be carried out by most people with a basic understanding of car maintenance. It’s important to ensure your vehicle has the correct transmission fluid level, as this will help to get better performance and keep your car running smoothly.

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