Just like the engine oil, the transmission was designed with the ease of checking the fluid level with a dip stick.

Universally the engine oil dip stick is color coded red and the transmission dip stick is color coded yellow for all manufactures until the last couple of years.

Note:

Some new cars today don’t have transmission dip sticks which force people to return to the dealer to have service work done.

When checking the transmission fluid, drive the vehicle to warm up the fluid.
Locate the transmission dip stick.

With the engine still running, remove the dip stick and wipe off the fluid.

Wipe clean and observe where the minimum and maximum fluid level marks are when hot.

Install the dip stick back into the tube for a few seconds and remove to check.

If the fluid is ok then the level should be between the minimum and maximum marks.

Refer to the owner’s manual or your local parts store on which type of fluid to use when topping up the transmission.

General Motors and most of the Imports typically use Dextron 3 fluid, Ford uses a Type F fluid, and Chrysler uses ATF+3, here are two types.

Note:

If the wrong type is used it could cause poor shifting or total failure. This is why it’s important to use the correct type of fluid.

If the fluid needs to be added, top up using a funnel that fits into the fill tube.

Top up in small/1/4 quart increments and check until the fluid is between the minimum and maximum marks on the dip stick.

Use the fluid indicator built into the side of the bottle to monitor the amount used.

Recommendations:

If the fluid needs to be added regularly then have it checked for a leak at a repair shop to determine the extent of the leakage. The best way to maintain a long lifespan for a transmission is to replace the fluid and filter every 4 years or 60,000 miles.

The first thing to remember is to only use the recommended type of fluid for your vehicle.

Most of today’s vehicles use a DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid. These types of fluid have been used universally with most manufactures over the last 20 years.

Check the owner’s manual or parts specialist in your area to help identify the fluid needed.

Before topping up, make sure the reservoir is clean and free of debris that could fall into the system creating a future problem.

The dark color fluid is a sign of old fluid. Make sure the fluid is clear to a golden yellow color.

Most reservoirs have the level indicator on the side.

Note:

Make sure no water or other fluids get into the system. Water is the number one enemy for brake systems and can damage major components as well as cause brake failure.

Remove the reservoir cap and top up between the minimum and maximum with fresh brake fluid from a sealed container. (The level sensor is built into the cap to turn on a light when the fluid gets low)

If brake fluid gets spilled wait until the reservoir cap is secured then attempting to clean up.

Brake fluid is highly corrosive and can damage painted surfaces, electrical connectors, or anything it comes in contact with.

The best way to clean up a spill is to dilute the fluid with water, wipe up and let air dry.

This is a clean reservoir topped up to the maximum level.

Note

The only way the brake fluid can become low is if there is a significant amount of wear to the brake pads or if a fluid leak causes the fluid level to drop. Topping up may be needed to eliminate a level warning light, but also may need a brake inspection to determine the lifespan of your brakes.

Recommendations:

Maintenance intervals should be to change the fluid every two years or 30,000 miles.

Locate the reservoir for the power steering pump.

The reservoir only holds what needs to be supplied to provide power assist when turning the wheel. Some power steering systems use automatic transmission fluid.

Some take synthetic base oil or power steering fluid.

Check the owner’s manual or ask your local parts supplier what type of fluid your vehicle takes.

Power steering reservoirs have a level indicator built into the dipstick which is part of the cap. Always check the fluid with the engine off and cold. (Warm fluid has an expansion rate that increases slightly when warmed up, this will raise and over fill the fluid level)

Note:

Make sure you use the recommended fluid. If the wrong fluid is mixed you could experience steering failure or cause pressure seals to leak creating a big expense to repair.

Understand how to monitor temperature

Before checking the coolant make sure you understand how the system operates normally. Some vehicles have a temperature gauge and some have a warning light.

If there is a gauge, the best guideline to use is that 1/2 way between cold and hot on the gauge should be normal operating temperature.

Warning lights usually don’t come on until it’s hot, unfortunately you can’t monitor the engine temperature until it’s too late.

Where to check the level

Locate the area to check the coolant. Some vehicles have the fill at the radiator and some have a separate reservoir.

Caution!!

When checking coolant level, always make sure the engine temperature has cooled down or sat over night to prevent severe burns from opening a hot system.

Note:

Engines run at 220°F and have 18 psi of pressure when hot! These temperatures can scald you and create sever burns if opened while hot.

Find the level indicator somewhere on the tank or reservoir.

And determine where to fill it when cold making sure not to over fill. Leave a small amount of air in the top of the reservoir for the coolant to expand when it gets hot, this will keep the fluid from pushing out of the overflow.

Sample the coolant

Remove the cap to access the coolant and check it for proper protection from freezing or boiling. Put the tube of the hydrometer into the coolant, squeeze the ball to let the suction pull a sample into the clear measuring area.

You can obtain a hydrometer from your local parts store to check the protection level for as little as $5.00. A 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and water will protect your engine to -30°F

If you need to top up the level make sure you purchase the correct type for your vehicle. Check the owners manual or ask your parts specialist at the parts store.

You can buy premixed or full strength antifreeze. You get more for your money to buy it full strength.

Recommendations:

Anti-freeze needs to be mixed before it protects against freezing or boiling. Mix 50% water to 50% anti-freeze then top up.

Open the hood to your vehicle and look for two things.

Look for a place to check the oil level (the dip stick) and where to fill the oil level (usually on the top of the engine.)

When you check any type of oil level you should refer to your owners manual and follow the manufactures recommended procedures.

If you do not have an owners manual, use this guide line procedure.

With the engine not running, and cold, remove the dip stick and wipe clean with a paper towel or old rag. Look at the dip stick to see where the manufacture has stamped or marked the required level. The lower mark is the minimum and the upper mark is the maximum level.

Insert the dip stick fully and remove to see where the oil level lines up with the marks on the stick. Make sure the level is at the maximum range without being over filled.

If engine oil is needed, look for the oil fill area. The oil fill should be marked in some fashion, either by a symbol (like an oil can) or marked (oil).

Note: To prevent over filling or spilling of the oil, always use a funnel when topping up your engine oil, and have a rag handy.

Always top up in small increments, approximately one quarter to one half of a quart at a time while rechecking the level each time.