Low Transmission Fluid Symptoms

The transmission is one of the most important parts of your car. To make sure it keeps working for you, it needs to have enough transmission fluid to function properly. How do you know when you’re low on fluid, though?

VW of Panama City is here to help you with this list of low transmission fluid symptoms for the drivers of Springfield, Callaway, and Panama City, FL. Be sure to contact us today with any questions!

What Does Transmission Fluid Do?

Whether your vehicle runs on a manual or an automatic transmission, it needs fluid to operate properly. The transmission’s job is to control the gear shifting. Think of it like the chain on a bike. It needs to stay lubricated to keep running. Plus, it takes a lot of parts to keep your transmission working. Those parts can create a lot of heat under the hood.

Transmission fluid takes care of both of those for you. It lubricates your transmission, so everything can run smoothly. This keeps friction from building up between the parts. It also cools everything down to keep your transmission from overheating.

When to Replace Transmission Fluid

Checking and refilling your transmission fluid is actually part of your vehicle’s routine maintenance. After enough time and miles, the fluid begins to wear down. Eventually, it can’t adequately cool or lubricate your parts. With most Volkswagen vehicles, you’ll need to get new transmission fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles.

Save on your scheduled maintenance with our Volkswagen Service Specials…

How Do I Know I Need to Change My Transmission Fluid?

It’s okay if you aren’t sure how long it’s been since your transmission fluid was replaced. Your car has a few ways of telling you that it’s due for a refill. Schedule service if you notice any of the following warning signs:

• Dashboard Warning Light—If there are any problems with the transmission, you’ll probably see a dashboard warning light that looks like an exclamation point inside a gear.
• Slipping Gears—When you’re maintaining a constant speed but feel your transmission shifting, it’s a safe bet that you’re low on transmission fluid.
• Stuck in Gear—If you step on the accelerator and your car doesn’t go any faster, you probably need transmission service. If your car has a manual transmission, you may feel some resistance when you try to shift.
• Delayed Shifting—Along the same lines, if you notice that your speed or transmission don’t change until a few seconds after you accelerate, you’re probably overdue for new transmission fluid.
• Grinding or Knocking Sound—Since transmission fluid lubricates your parts, not having enough can cause your transmission to make a grinding or knocking sound while you drive.
• Dark Transmission Fluid—You can actually check your transmission fluid by popping the hood, pulling the dipstick out, and wiping it on a towel. If the fluid looks pink and transparent, your transmission is in good shape. Old, overworked fluid looks thick and has a deep burgundy color.

Schedule Transmission Service

To learn more about these low transmission fluid symptoms, visit the service center at VW of Panama City. Our technicians are highly trained to take care of drivers in Springfield, Callaway, and Panama City, FL. They can inspect your transmission for you and give you fresh fluid. Contact us if you notice any of these warning signs or schedule an appointment online.

• Contact Us

  We would love to hear from you! Please fill out this form and we will get in touch with you shortly.

  • First Name*
  • Last Name*
  • Email*
  • Phone
  • Preferred Method of Contact*
    Please Choose...PhoneEmailText Message
  • Message*
  • Your Phone
    This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

  This site is protected by reCAPTCHA

• Dealership Info

  Phone Numbers:

  • Main:(850) 257-2800 Main: Phone Number
    
  • Sales:(855) 673-9035 Sales: Phone Number
    
  • Service:(850) 257-2828 Service: Phone Number
    
  • Parts:(855) 982-2408 Parts: Phone Number
    

  Online Showroom Hours:

  • Mon – Sun12:00 AM – 12:00 AM
    (Always Open for Online Shopping)

  Sales Hours:

  • Mon – Fri8:30 AM – 7:00 PM
    
  • Sat8:30 AM – 7:00 PM
    
  • SunClosed

  Service Hours:

  • Mon – Fri8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    
  • Sat8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
    
  • SunClosed

  Parts Hours:

  • Mon – Fri8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    
  • Sat8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
    
  • SunClosed