How do I know if my car is low on transmission fluid?

If your car is low on transmission fluid, it can lead to serious problems like transmission failure or damage. Fortunately, there are a few simple ways to check your transmission fluid level and identify any issues. In this article, we'll provide a step-by-step guide on how to determine if your car needs a transmission fluid top-up.

Signs Your Car May Be Low on Transmission Fluid

Here are some common indicators that your car's transmission fluid may be running low:

• Difficulty shifting gears: If you notice your car is having trouble shifting smoothly between gears, it could be a sign of low transmission fluid.


• Slipping transmission: When the transmission fluid is low, the transmission may start to slip or hesitate when accelerating, which can cause the engine to rev higher without the car gaining speed.


• Leaking fluid: Check under your car for any puddles or drips of reddish-colored transmission fluid, which could indicate a leak.


• Burning smell: If you notice a burning or hot smell coming from your car, it may be a sign that the transmission is overheating due to low fluid levels.

If you experience any of these issues, it's important to have your transmission fluid checked as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your vehicle.

How to Check Your Transmission Fluid Level

Checking your transmission fluid level is a relatively simple process, but the exact steps may vary depending on your vehicle's make and model. Here's a general guide:

1. Park your car on a level surface and apply the parking brake.


2. Locate the transmission dipstick, which is usually near the front of the engine compartment.


3. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean with a rag, and reinsert it fully.


4. Withdraw the dipstick again and check the fluid level. The level should be between the "min" and "max" markings on the dipstick.


5. If the fluid level is low, add the recommended type and amount of transmission fluid, as specified in your owner's manual.

Be sure to check your transmission fluid level when the engine is warm, as the fluid expands when hot and provides a more accurate reading.

When to Change Your Transmission Fluid

In addition to regularly checking your transmission fluid level, it's also important to change the fluid at the intervals recommended by your vehicle's manufacturer. Typically, this is every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, but the exact interval may vary. Changing the fluid can help extend the life of your transmission and prevent costly repairs down the line.

If you're unsure about the condition of your transmission fluid or have any other concerns, it's best to consult a professional mechanic who can properly diagnose and address any issues with your vehicle's transmission system.

What happens to your car with low transmission fluid?

Along with gear slippage, low transmission fluid levels can also cause low levels of pressure, which leads to slower engagement when shifting gears. If you notice your transmission takes a second to engage when put into drive or reverse, it could be due to low fluid levels.

How does a car act when it needs transmission fluid?

A car needing transmission fluid will often exhibit symptoms like harsh or delayed shifting, slipping between gears, and strange noises like whining or grinding. Other signs include poor acceleration, a burning smell, overheating, and a check engine light. If the fluid is completely out, the car may not move at all. 
This video explains the symptoms of low transmission fluid, including shifting problems and unusual noises: 1mFixITYouTube · Oct 21, 2024
Shifting and acceleration problems 

• Delayed or harsh shifting: The transmission may hesitate before engaging a gear, or shifts may feel abrupt. 
• Slipping gears: You might feel the car suddenly shift down or up without warning, or the engine may rev without the car accelerating as expected. 
• Poor acceleration: The car may feel sluggish from a stop or have difficulty picking up speed. 
• Inability to shift: In extreme cases, the car may not move into drive or reverse at all. 

Noises and smells

• Whining or grinding sounds: A lack of lubrication can cause gears to grind, and low fluid can create a whining noise. 
• Burning smell: The transmission can overheat from a lack of fluid, which can produce a burning odor, sometimes accompanied by smoke. 

This video demonstrates the sound of a transmission that is overheating due to low fluid: 55sEasyAutoFixYouTube · Mar 12, 2023
Other warning signs

• Overheating: As transmission fluid acts as a coolant, low levels can cause the transmission to overheat. 
• Check engine light: A warning light on your dashboard may illuminate due to a sensor detecting low fluid pressure or overheating. 
• Puddles under the car: If you see red or brown fluid puddles under your car, it could indicate a transmission fluid leak. 

How does a car act when the transmission is going out?

A car with a failing transmission will often exhibit symptoms like slipping gears, rough shifting, and strange noises such as grinding, humming, or clunking. Other signs include a burning smell, visible fluid leaks, a check engine light, and a delay or complete inability to engage gears, especially when trying to move in reverse or accelerate from a stop. If a transmission completely fails, the car will likely not move at all, even when the engine is running. 
This video demonstrates what transmission slipping looks and sounds like: 1mEasyAutoFixYouTube · Mar 30, 2021
Common symptoms

• Slipping gears: The engine may rev loudly, but the car's speed does not increase proportionally. This is often described as "feeling like you're going nowhere fast". 
• Rough or delayed shifting: Gear changes feel harsh, with clunks, hesitations, or jerking. The car may struggle to shift into a different gear, especially at odd times. 
• Unusual noises: Listen for grinding, clunking, buzzing, or humming sounds coming from the transmission area, especially during shifts or while in neutral. 
• Leaking fluid: A reddish or brown fluid leak under the vehicle is a common sign of a transmission problem. Low fluid can cause overheating and damage internal components. 
• Burning smell: A burnt-toast or burning oil smell can indicate that the transmission fluid is overheating or that internal components are breaking down. 
• Stalling or no power: The car may not move at all when put into gear or may feel like it has no power when accelerating. 
• Shaking or vibrating: The vehicle may shake or tremble, particularly during gear changes. 

This video explains what a failing transmission sounds like: 14sScotty KilmerYouTube · Sep 6, 2021
What to do if you experience these symptoms

• Immediately turn on your hazard lights and pull over to a safe location. 
• Do not continue to drive the vehicle, as this can cause further damage. 
• Call a towing service to have your car taken to a mechanic for diagnosis and repair. 

What are symptoms of low transmission fluid?

If your gears are slipping, it's a clear sign your car's running low on transmission fluid. When experiencing sudden up and down shifts, high RPMs right before shifting, or erratic shifting, seek assistance from your local service center to prevent your transmission from overheating or becoming damaged.