Transmission Fluid Levels: A Guide to Transmission Maintenance

Most vehicle owners know that routine maintenance, such as oil changes, tire rotations, and brake service, helps extend their car's life and improves efficiency and safety. However, many drivers overlook their transmission service. Just as your engine relies on oil to protect it, your transmission needs fresh fluid to lubricate its internal parts and protect them against thermal breakdown.

Fortunately, you don't need to be a mechanic to perform this task. You only need a rag, a funnel, and the proper instructions. Our guide to how to check the transmission fluid level in your Hyundai TUCSON will help you check and add fluid if necessary, keeping it running at its peak.

How To Check and Add Transmission Fluid

To maintain this vital component correctly, start by checking the transmission fluid. Although not necessary, a pair of latex or work gloves will help keep your hands clean. We recommend latex gloves for the best grip and fine motor control. 

Locate the Transmission Fluid Dipstick

First, pop the hood to access the engine compartment. Most vehicles have dipsticks for motor oil, brake fluid, and transmission fluid. The transmission dipstick typically rises from the back of the engine, where it connects to the transmission, just before the firewall. 

Check Your Transmission Fluid

If your dipstick indicates you have too little transmission fluid, don't panic. You need to add more fluid using the same tube that your dipstick came in. Before adding fluid, always confirm with your owner's manual that you have the correct transmission fluid for your vehicle because this can vary by make, model, and year. Once you know which type of transmission fluid you need, you can conveniently order it online from our parts department. Order ahead, and we'll have it ready when you arrive.

Add Transmission Fluid

The tube you'll use to add transmission fluid sits in the back of the engine compartment. We suggest you buy a long funnel with a narrow spout that fits snugly into this tube to make pouring easier and reduce the risk of spilling fluid.

Why You Should Get Professionals To Perform Transmission Repairs

Hyundai engineered its transmission to perform in all types of situations, and it has a complex series of parts that must function together to work correctly. We love DIY people and support them whenever possible, but we strongly recommend letting a professional handle the job if you need transmission service beyond adding fluid.

You could experience slipping gears, rough shifting, grinding gears, shaking, and overheating. These symptoms have various causes, and they require a professional mechanic to diagnose them properly. If you own a Hyundai, there's no better place to bring your car than a Hyundai service center. Our factory-trained technicians work almost exclusively on Hyundai vehicles and have the experience to quickly identify issues that other mechanics might miss. 

What Causes Low Transmission Fluid Levels?

Your transmission fluid can become low for several reasons. First, you might leak into the system. A quick look at your transmission from beneath your car might reveal a leaky gasket or other issues. Leaks don't have to drip fast to cause problems. Over time, these leaks can lead to low fluid and less protection for your transmission.

Look for obvious leaks and wet areas, particularly around seals in your fluid pan and other parts. More serious leaks will leave a puddle of fluid beneath your car. If you see a puddle in your driveway or garage, you should always investigate it. If it's transmission fluid, you need service. 

If you don't have an obvious leak but need to add transmission fluid, we recommend you check the fluid level at least once a week for several weeks to determine if there's a leak. Your transmission can still leak even if you don't see the fluid on the ground. If your fluid level drops and you can't find the source, bring your car into our service center. One of our factory-certified technicians will diagnose the problem and come up with a solution.

Will Replacing My Transmission Fluid Harm My Transmission?

Decades ago, people believed replacing your old transmission fluid could damage it. Fortunately, this was a myth. Any problems you might have after replacing your transmission fluid were there beforehand. If you change your transmission fluid according to the factory's recommended schedule, your transmission will run better and last longer.

Find Out More About Our Transmission Repair Services in Columbia, South Carolina

At Stivers Hyundai in Columbia, we understand many drivers don't have the time or inclination to perform routine fluid checks on their vehicles and prefer a professional to take charge. If you have a transmission problem or want a vehicle health check, schedule your service online for a convenient day and time. Our factory-trained technicians have years of experience working on Hyundai TUCSON SUVs. They can quickly check your transmission fluid level and troubleshoot any problems they might find to keep your TUCSON running at its best.

Images by OEM