You drive to work every day using the same route and intersections without ever experiencing any problems with your car. However, there's an unusual discord to your daily driving routine lately. You are hearing some strange grinding noises coming from the transmission of the car, you are experiencing some oil slippage when shifting gears, or maybe, you are having delays in movement once placing your car in gear. What could be wrong? Well, all these symptoms may point out that your car's transmission fluid needs changing.

Nothing will prolong the lifespan of your car more than regularly changing the transmission fluid. For that reason, here are steps you can follow when changing the transmission fluid of your car at home:

Put your vehicle on ramps

Begin by carefully jacking up the front part of your car or putting it on ramps. Ensure that you also put blocks behind the back wheels so that your car won't roll backwards. Also, the car should be high enough for you to squeeze under and be supported securely by the jacks.

Locate and drain the transmission fluid pan

This pan is a small tank-like structure usually attached with bolts at the bottom of most cars. Therefore, you will have to carefully crawl underneath your car to locate it. After finding it, slowly loosen the bolts from one side of the fluid pan; this will allow it to tilt it and some reddish-brown transmission fluid will start to drain.

When the fluid is done draining, remove the remaining bolts, lower the fluid pan and properly dispose of the remaining transmission fluid.

Check the gasket

At this point, it is a good idea that you evaluate the condition of the gasket. You may replace it if necessary. This will come a long way in minimising the frequency of repairs in future. Moreover, you may apply a recommended sealant to the flange of the fluid pan to ensure that it is leak-proof.

Replace the filter

Once you have completely drained off the fluid, remove the filter and install a new one. Tighten the fluid pan with bolts to its appropriate position. You can now add fresh transmission fluid using a funnel to avoid any spillage. Finally, start your car and let it warm up for some minutes, then shut it off and check if there are any leaks.

Should you encounter any problems, it is advisable that you seek the help of professional automobile services.