The fluids in your car are extremely important to allow it to do its job. There are fluids for nearly everything that goes on in your engine, from gasoline to oil to air conditioning coolant.

To keep your car running well, it is important to keep your fluids in tip-top shape—and your transmission fluid is no exception! While your mechanic should inspect your transmission fluid each time you take your car in for a tune-up, it is still important for drivers to understand what role it plays and how important it is to their vehicle’s performance.

The Facts About Transmission Fluid

Transmission fluid is far more than just a lubricant for your car’s transmission. While it does lubricate the bearings and parts inside your car’s gearbox, it is also responsible for creating hydraulic pressure and friction to keep parts operational, as well as cooling the transmission as it operates. Every time your car shifts gears, transmission fluid is there to make sure it can shift easily.

When Should I Change My Transmission Fluid?

If you are curious whether your car’s transmission fluid is due for a change, your owner’s manual is the best place to start for information. Every manufacturer has different recommendations for the intervals of a transmission fluid change, and some even have specifications regarding the way it is changed as well.

That being said, if you do a lot of stop-and-go driving or are noticing issues with your shifting, you may need to change your transmission fluid out more frequently than what your manual recommends.

Signs My Transmission Fluid May Be Low

If you are concerned about your transmission fluid, it is best to get it checked out as soon as possible by your mechanic. Some signs you may need to prioritize this include:

• Puddles under your car
• Sounds such as roaring, buzzing or clicking when shifting
• Delayed shifting, slippery shifting or uneven shifting
• A tart, burning smell

If you think you need to have your transmission fluid checked out, we would be happy to take a look. Contact us today to schedule a service or learn more about the services we offer.