Automatic transmission repairs can be quite expensive to perform, and for that reason, every car owner should do everything they possibly can to prevent transmission problems from occurring to avoid the need for transmission repair. One of the top causes of automatic transmission problems is low transmission fluid level, which in turn, could be pointing to a possible leak or the need to change dirty fluid. If you drive an automatic car, you should know how to check your transmission fluid level, as well as the condition of the fluid so you can determine if it is time to change the fluid or simply top it up.

The following guide is meant to help you check whether or not you have enough clean transmission fluid in your automatic car.

Know where your transmission dipstick is located.

Every automatic car has a transmission dipstick immersed in the transmission fluid. This dipstick has markings that indicate different fluid levels. The location of the transmission dipstick varies depending on the car brand and model you drive. On most automatic cars, the handle of the transmission dipstick can be easily seen jutting out in the engine compartment next to the oil dipstick. If you love inspecting your engine, chances are high that you might have come across the transmission fluid handle at some point.

In automatic cars with rear-wheel drive, the transmission dipstick can be found at the back of the in-line engine. As for automatic cars with front-wheel drive, the transmission dipstick normally protrudes from the transaxle found at the front of the vehicle.

Suppose you are a complete greenhorn and don't have the slightest clue about the location of your transmission dipstick—you may refer to your car owner's manual for help.

Check your transmission fluid.

Before removing your transmission dipstick to check your transmission fluid, you should make sure the fluid is warm. This means you should check your transmission fluid after running your engine for a few minutes and allowing it time to cool a bit.

With the transmission fluid warmed up, grasp the dipstick by the handle and pull it out straight up. Check the lines on the dipstick to see your transmission fluid level. Ordinarily, there are two lines — one to show the maximum fluid level and the other to show the minimum fluid level. Clean off transmission fluid from the dipstick with a clean, lint-free rag and check the fluid level again by re-inserting the stick into your transmission fluid. Repeating this procedure ensures you get correct fluid level readings.

Also, check your transmission fluid colour and thickness to determine if you need new fluid.

If you don't want to check your transmission fluid yourself, you can always ask a qualified mechanic to do the job for you.