November 3, 2018
If your vehicle has an automatic transmission—and it probably does—then shifting gears should be a relatively simple, seamless matter. If the engine seems to hesitate or stall before shifting from one gear to the next, that could point to a maintenance issue, and potentially to a mechanical problem.
The first step is to locate the dipstick; this will look basically like your oil dipstick, although color-coded, to help you tell the two apart. The exact location of the dipstick can vary. In rear-wheel-drive vehicles, it is usually toward the rear of the engine. In vehicles with front-wheel drive, the dipstick will usually be found sticking out of the transaxle, and in most cases is toward the front of the engine.
Once you have located the dipstick, you can now check your fluid level:
Note, if you do add more fluid, there are many different types of transmission fluids out there. For optimal performance, you will want to use the type specified in your owner’s manual. Make sure you double-check this before purchasing the new fluid.
If you identify the signs that your fluid needs changing, and if you’ve never done that before, your best bet may be to bring it in. Make an appointment at Meineke today, and ensure that your fluid is changed out before you experience any bigger issues or more serious problems with the vehicle!