How to Check Transmission Fluid

In every vehicle, keeping your fluids in check is an important part of your drives around Minneapolis. Understanding how to know if you need transmission fluid is just as important as oil changes or brake fluid. Since transmission fluid lubricates your transmission, knowing how to read a transmission fluid dipstick is essential. Completing a Kia Sportage or Kia Soul transmission fluid check is crucial to making sure your vehicle is running smoothly. Cornerstone Kia is here to explore how to check your Kia Soul transmission fluid properly in this guide from our service center.
 

How to Check Transmission Fluid: Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re not sure how to know if you need transmission fluid, simply checking is always the best option. Whether you’re driving a Sportage or a Kia Soul, your transmission fluid is one of the key fluids you need to keep track of. Here are the basic steps for checking your Kia Telluride or Kia Soul transmission fluid:

1. Run the engine for only a few minutes before proceeding with a transmission fluid check. You will want the engine properly warmed up to check the level.
2. After shutting your car off, make sure to engage the emergency brake.
3. Locate your transmission fluid dipstick. Front-wheel-drive cars will have it located to the right of your oil dipstick. You should always check your Kia owner’s manual if you have trouble finding it.
4. Remove the dipstick and touch the fluid, moving it around between your forefinger and thumb. The fluid should be opaque, with a pinkish hue. If it gives off a burnt smell or looks contaminated, take it to a service center for immediate replacement.
5. Use a clean rag to wipe off your dipstick, then insert it back into your vehicle. Pull it out once again and check your fluid level.
6. If the level is under the “fill” marking, it means it’s the right time to add more fluid.
7. Use a funnel to bring your fluid level up to the right spot. Be sure not to overfill it.

Checking the Fluid in a Sealed Transmission

Now that you have a sense of how to read a transmission dipstick, what if your Kia doesn’t have one? If your vehicle has a sealed transmission, it means you don’t have a dipstick for measuring the transmission fluid level. Checking the fluid and refilling a sealed transmission with transmission fluid will require the help of a trained mechanic.

Kia Transmission Fluid Change: When to Check Your Transmission Fluid?

Whether it’s a Kia Soul or another Kia option, it’s important to check your fluids every month. Make sure you also check your vehicle’s power steering fluid, engine oil, and of course, transmission fluid. Your Kia owner’s manual can provide more specific intervals on the maintenance requirements for your Kia model.

Kia Transmission Service: Transmission Fluid Basics

If you’re aware of how to know if you need transmission fluid, keeping tabs on your car’s transmission fluid level should be a breeze. Still, the transmission is one of the most complex parts of your Kia vehicle, and you’ll want to keep the following points in mind:

• Not all transmission fluid types are the same. Your Kia owner’s manual will always specify the right kind to use.
• Gear-shifting hesitation can be the result of low transmission fluid. Or, it can be a sign of a much bigger problem.
• Checking your fluid in a manual transmission often requires a jack or a lift, so you can access the drain plug beneath a car.
• Transmission fluid should be replaced every 50,000-100,000 miles.
• Your actual mileage depends on your driving habits, your transmission type, and multiple other factors. Remember to check your owner’s manual or ask one of our service staff members for assistance.

Explore More Kia Service Tips with Cornerstone Kia!

Now that you know how to know if you need Kia transmission fluid, you can trust our team at Cornerstone Kia near Minneapolis to get the job done for you. Contact our service center online or call us today at 763-710-8240, or schedule an appointment online to get the job done.