To keep your Toyota running at peak performance, there are a few regular checks you need to undertake. No doubt you’re already keeping an eye on your engine oil and tyre pressure - but are you checking transmission oil often enough?
The transmission is one of your Toyota’s most important components, so keeping it topped up with genuine Toyota oil and lubricant is something that can’t be ignored. Our guide to checking transmission oil in your Toyota vehicle covers the essentials you need to know about.
What is transmission oil - and why does your car need it?
Car transmission fluid is the lubricant for the components within your car’s transmission, that keeps your vehicle running at optimal performance. Your car’s transmission refers to its gearbox; your car needs it to turn the engine’s power into something it can use.
Keeping fluid levels topped up is essential to lubricate various parts in the transmission, but it also helps your vehicle’s performance in other ways, such as:
- Protecting surfaces from being worn down
- Conditioning gaskets
- Enhancing your vehicle’s cooling function
- Increasing rotational speed and temperature range
How often should you check & replace transmission oil?
You can find out how often to check and change your transmission oil in your vehicle’s Owner Manual, as this can vary between vehicles. On average, if you have a car with a manual transmission, you should change this every 50,000 to 95,000 km. For automatic transmissions, you’ll generally need to replace fluid every 95,000 to 150,000 km.
How to check transmission oil
Remember that modern Toyotas don’t have an automatic transmission dipstick, and require more specialised procedures to change the fluid. Check your owner’s manual or get in touch with Phil Gilbert Toyota for more information.
Read the following guide to find out how to check transmission oil the traditional way:
- Ensure the engine is at normal running temperature; go for a short drive and then park on a level ground, and apply the hand brake.
- Put the car in park mode, open your car’s bonnet and locate the transmission fluid dipstick.
- Remove the dipstick and touch the fluid with your thumb and forefinger, making sure it’s almost clear. If the fluid looks dirty or smells burned, it will need to be replaced at a Toyota service centre.
- Wipe the dipstick with a rag and reinsert it, before pulling it out again to check that it reaches the required marking.
- Use a funnel to fill it up if necessary, but make sure you don’t overfill.
What could happen if transmission oil runs out?
Replacing transmission fluid when you’re supposed to provides lubrication and heat reduction for your car’s transmission, which leads to better performance. If it runs out, debris can accumulate within the system, and this can severely damage your vehicle.
Visit your nearest Toyota dealer in Sydney
The technicans at Phil Gilbert Toyota can carry out thorough vehicle inspections and make sure your Toyota performs at its best. Visit us in Lidcombe or Croydon, book online or call (02) 9735 8400 to make an appointment.