How to Check Transmission Fluid

Mechanic Pouring Transmission Fluid

How often do you check your transmission fluid? How often do you check your transmission fluid? These are important questions. Ensuring your transmission fluid is topped off is as important as getting an oil change. North Wales drivers can read on to get answers to all of these questions. Then, if you want us to take a look, explore our service specials to see just how much you can save and get in touch with our service center for help!


Checking Your Levels in 5 Steps

Lansdale drivers can simply follow these steps:

  1. Start your engine and let it run for a few minutes before proceeding. When it comes how to check your transmission fluid, it needs to be warmed up before you can get an accurate read on where the levels are at. Once you’ve let the engine run for a few minutes, pop the hood. Don’t forget to put the car in park. Turn the engine on for a few minutes before proceeding, since the engine should be warmed up to properly check the level. Make sure your car is in park before getting out and opening the hood.
  2. Once under the hood, find your transmission fluid dipstick. It’s right next to the oil dipstick if you drive FWD. Check your owner’s manual if you’re having trouble finding it.
  3. Insert the dipstick into the fluid, then inspect the fluid. It should be clear or slightly pinkish. If it looks dirty or smells burnt, go to a service center asap.
  4. Now you’ll want to check the levels. Reinsert the dipstick into the reservoir. Pull it out and see with marking on your stick the fluid stain rises too. If it’s anything less than the “full” marking, you’ll want to top it off.
  5. Get a funnel and pour fluid through it into your reservoir until you hit the full marking.

Have any issues or questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out to North Penn Mazda.

Checking the Fluid in a Sealed Transmission

If you can’t find the dipstick, your car probably has a sealed transmission. “What is a sealed transmission,” you ask. It’s a transmission that’s sealed to limit the amount of fluid that’s wasted through evaporation and other factors. You don’t want to attempt to check the fluid yourself as you risk damaging your car. Our service team will gladly check the transmission fluid level when you bring your car in for service.

When to Check the Fluid in a Sealed Transmission

Since you can’t check your transmission fluid yourself, you’ll have to watch for more symptomatic signs that you’re due for a top-off. Keep an eye out for the following:

  • Strange noises when your gears shift
  • Hesitating gears
  • Gear don’t shift smoothly as you accelerate

How Often Do You Check Your Transmission Fluid?

Check your owner’s manual for specifics. This figure varies depending on what kind of transmission you have. If you don’t have a sealed transmission, we recommend you check the levels of your transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and engine oil every month.

Let North Penn Mazda Help!

Do you have further questions about how often to check your transmission fluid? Have any lingering questions about our answer to the question, “How often do you change your transmission fluid?” North Penn Mazda is here to help. Just give us a call at (215) 822-1361. Do you have questions about other car care concerns? We can answer those too, and you can also explore our site for helpful reads about everything from how often to change your oil to when to change your engine air filter!

Service Specials at North Penn Mazda

100 K Mile Club Special

10% off

Have you had your Mazda awhile? This discount is for you! Receive 10% off repairs if your Mazda has 100,000 miles or more.

*Excludes maintenance items. Discount up to $100.

We've Got Your Tires!

We carry a large variety of competitively priced tires. Our tires also come with road hazard warranty.

*See advisor for details.

Full Collision Center

FREE EST.

We will perform the necessary vehicle repairs with Genuine Mazda parts.

**Free Estimates. Call North Penn Mazda to schedule an appointment today!

TIRE/ALIGNMENT SPECIAL

Purchase a set of 4 new tires at our competitive prices, install at the dealership, and get a 4-wheel alignment for only $139.95. All services must be performed on same visit.

Plus applicable taxes. Valid only at NORTH PENN MAZDA. Cannot be used with any other applicable offer. Mazda vehicles only. Some vehicles may be slightly higher. Hazardous waste fee and shop supplies fee if applicable. Please present offer at time of write-up. No cash value. Coupon expires 08/31/26.

Expires: 08/31/2026

FRONT OR REAR BRAKE SPECIAL

$20.00 Off With Coupon

Problems with your Mazda’s brakes are serious. Don’t wait too long! Use this coupon to receive a special discount on the brake service you need. Not applicable for brake inspection.

Plus applicable taxes. Valid only at NORTH PENN MAZDA. Cannot be used with any other applicable offer. Mazda vehicles only. Some vehicles may be slightly higher. Hazardous waste fee and shop supplies fee if applicable. Please present offer at time of write-up. No cash value. Coupon expires 08/31/26.

Expires: 08/31/2026

Cooling System Special

$159.95 With Coupon

Your cooling system regulates engine temperatures for both cold and warm weather conditions. This service will help prevent rust and corrosion in the cooling system. Service includes:
• Check and drain cooling system
• Pressure test system and refill with up to one gallon of coolant
• Check all fluids, wiper blades and drive belts

Plus applicable taxes. Valid only at NORTH PENN MAZDA. Cannot be used with any other applicable offer. Mazda vehicles only. Some vehicles may be slightly higher. Hazardous waste fee and shop supplies fee if applicable. Please present offer at time of write-up. No cash value. Coupon expires 08/31/26.

Expires: 08/31/2026

Enhance Air Quality with a New Cabin Air Filter

10% Off With Coupon

The air you breathe is only as clean as the filter it goes through. A new cabin air filter will reduce impurities such as pollen, dust, mold and other airborne contaminants. Recommended every 12 – 24 months.

Plus applicable taxes. Valid only at NORTH PENN MAZDA. Cannot be used with any other applicable offer. Mazda vehicles only. Some vehicles may be slightly higher. Hazardous waste fee and shop supplies fee if applicable. Please present offer at time of write-up. No cash value. Coupon expires 08/31/26.

Expires: 08/31/2026

RETAIL PARTS COUNTER DISCOUNT

15% Off With Coupon

Come to our Parts Department Counter and get a 15% discount off any Genuine Mazda accessory purchase. Maximum discount $75.00.

Plus applicable taxes. Valid only at NORTH PENN MAZDA. Cannot be used with any other applicable offer. Mazda vehicles only. Some vehicles may be slightly higher. Hazardous waste fee and shop supplies fee if applicable. Please present offer at time of write-up. No cash value. Coupon expires 08/31/26.

Expires: 08/31/2026

OIL CHANGE PLUS! WE WILL:

$85.95 With Coupon

– Change motor oil per specifications
– Install a Genuine Mazda oil filter
– Send a Multi-Point Inspection video
*Synthetic oil extra/Up to 5 Quarts
**EXCLUDES TURBO AND HYBRID VEHICLES**

Plus applicable taxes. Valid only at NORTH PENN MAZDA. Cannot be used with any other applicable offer. Mazda vehicles only. Some vehicles may be slightly higher. Hazardous waste fee and shop supplies fee if applicable. Please present offer at time of write-up. No cash value. Coupon expires 08/31/26.

Expires: 08/31/2026

AIR CONDITIONING TUNE UP WITH EVAPORATOR CLEANING

$195.95 With Coupon

Your factory trained Technicians will:
-Inspect system, hoses, and connections
-Clean condenser fins and evaporator
*Additional cost for Freon/refrigerant may apply. Call or schedule online!

Plus applicable taxes. Valid only at NORTH PENN MAZDA. Cannot be used with any other applicable offer. Mazda vehicles only. Some vehicles may be slightly higher. Hazardous waste fee and shop supplies fee if applicable. Please present offer at time of write-up. No cash value. Coupon expires 08/31/26.

Expires: 08/31/2026

Detail Service

Call for Details

Keep your car looking great with our full service detail packages. We offer:
• Hand wash and dry exterior
• Clean and vacuum interior
• Clean and polish exterior
• Apply vinyl protectant to dash, exterior trim, and tires
• Shampoo mats and carpets

Plus applicable taxes. Valid only at NORTH PENN MAZDA. Cannot be used with any other applicable offer. Mazda vehicles only. Some vehicles may be slightly higher. Hazardous waste fee and shop supplies fee if applicable. Please present offer at time of write-up. No cash value. Coupon expires 08/31/26.

Expires: 08/31/2026

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