How to check the oil in an automatic transmission? Don't believe popular opinions [guide]

Oil in an automatic transmission is important because it is used not only for lubrication, but also for operation. Without oil in the manual, the car will run and probably run a little more before the gearbox fails. The automatic machine works in a completely different way - the car simply will not go, and if it does, it will be even worse, because then the box will be quickly destroyed. Therefore, manufacturers of automatic transmissions usually use a dipstick to check the oil level, as they do in engines. You probably won't come across this solution with manual transmissions. Unfortunately, not everyone knows how to check the oil in a box.

I will immediately point out that As a rule, mechanics adopt the principle of checking the oil after starting and warming up the engine and while it is running. It's a fair guess, because that's what the vast majority of transmissions do. However, it is not possible to approach every vehicle in the same way, as exemplified by the automatics found in Honda vehicles. Here the manufacturer recommends oil check only when the engine is off, but be careful - after warming up and immediately after turning off. Experience has shown that after checking with this method and checking with the engine running, little is changed (the difference is small), so one might suspect that it is more about safety than about measuring the oil level.

The oil in the automatic transmission does not always work only when the engine is hot. Some types of gearboxes of some brands (for example, Volvo) have a dipstick with a level scale for cold oil and a level for hot oil.

What else should be checked when checking the oil level?

You can also check the condition of the oil on the go. Unlike engine oil, especially in diesel engines, the color of the oil in the automatic transmission does not change for a long time. It remains red even ... for 100-200 thousand. km! If it is closer to brown than red, then you should not even delay replacing it. 

The second thing you can check is the smell.. While the smell is difficult to describe and difficult to identify, a distinct burning smell on the dipstick can be a problem. 

How often do you need to check the oil in the automatic transmission?

Although it is a very important oil in our car, you don't need to check it often. Once a year is enough. The situation is slightly different for off-road vehicles and any other vehicle operating in off-road conditions requiring deep water operation. If you often drive in deeper water than allowed by the manufacturer, the oil should be checked every time. Water, getting into the oil in the automatic transmission, can quickly destroy it. Here, of course, when checking, you should carefully focus on the level, because there will be more oil (along with water) than before.