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OUR BLOG

7/7/2021
Drivers must check the car's oil levels need monthly to ensure optimal performance. This post by Certified Lube in Houston lists a couple of tips to perform these checks on your own whenever you need to.

Visit Certified Lube's web page, or call (281) 705-9296 if you're looking for an authorized AMSOIL dealer that can provide you with the best supplies to take care of your transmission and synthetic oil in Houston.

Get Familiar with the ATF

This acronym refers to automatic transmission fluid, and it's a requirement for vehicles with automatic transmissions. However, this fluid tends to be green or red to differentiate it from other oils and liquids used in the car. Remember that you should check the levels of the car's fluids at least once a month, and if the automatic transmission's oil level is low, it may be time to perform an oil change or refill. It would be best if you did this without surpassing the amount suggested by the manufacturer.

Quick Guide to Monitor Oil Levels in an Automatic Transmission

In early types of transmissions, it's very traditional to see another stick placed in the second compartment of the engine. One is required to measure the oil levels of the motor, while the second concerns the gearbox. Usually, it has a lighter color and could display an indication regarding its use. Usually, it will be expected to run about below 18 miles for the gearbox fluid to get the ideal temperature. Subsequently, you might need to stop the car on an entirely uniform surface, and without switching off the engine, pass the gearbox through all its possible positions, remaining about five seconds in each one. It's necessary to use the parking brake to subsequently brake the car with your foot to evade any movements while you're doing this. After these shifts, rest the engine for three to five minutes. Then, with the motor working, proceed to check the level. Withdraw the dipstick and hold a towel or cloth at hand to wipe it up. Then, reintroduce the leveling bar and remove it to check on the level again.

To find the top synthetic oil change in Houston, stop by Certified Lube's website, or call them at (281) 705-9296. For purchases, visit AMSOIL's online store.

Expect a Few Differences

Considering gearboxes don't have a filler cap the way engines do, you must pour the transmission oil, as carefully as you can, within the duct of the measuring stick. Then, perform the proper checks until the level of the fluid reaches the indicated level. However, if the transmission level remains low, it could be due to a leak, causing a waste of liquid.

Replace the Transmission Oil

This is one of the key points to guarantee the best performance of the automatic gearbox. The manufacturer will specify when it's the right time to replace the gearbox and the mileage to perform a change of automatic transmission fluid. Though they might take long periods, know these can be shortened depending on the use you give to the car, like if your vehicle has to run on rough roads or if you need it for heavy towing on a daily basis. At the time of replacement, you must turn off the engine, and the transmission oil has to be hot. Separate the crankcase from the gearbox, or use the drain plug to quicken the process. Be extremely careful, mainly because of the oil's temperature and the possible spillage.

Drain the Gearbox

After letting the gearbox drain appropriately, the next move is to remove the old filter and install the new one. But keep in mind that you must take off the crankcase to exchange the filter in some devices. You'll need to replace the crankcase; take that as a given. Also, the case needs to be tightened to prevent any possible leaks of transmission fluid. Then, pour enough amount of ATF directly into the dipstick line and once again make the proper level checks. Lastly, inspect the crankcase to look for any metal bits, residues, or tiny magnets that might be lying at the bottom. If you happen to find some, take it as a sign of extensive wear or a possible gearbox problem.

Don't Forget the Benefits of a synthetic oil change in Houston! The vehicles that travel on rough roads, or those used for heavy towing, are inclined to suffer severe wear. Using AMSOIL's Signature Series Multi-Vehicle Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid can help reduce this damage and extend its life usage. Reach out to Certified Lube and discover the best range of automatic transmission fluids. Call (281) 705-9296 to place an order for the most effective synthetic oil in Houston.