The color of the automatic transmission fluid in your car can help in diagnosing a transmission problem and give you an indication of the overall health of your transmission. Additionally, the color of automobile’s transmission fluid is very revealing with time. This fluid changes color as it ages or as day, months and years goes by. It’s important to have the transmission fluid changed when it needs it because this fluid is crucial to your transmission’s health and operation. This fluid not only lubricates the gears and other moving parts but also protects the parts, cools them down, cleans them, and works as a hydraulic fluid to assist the transmission in changing gears. It is necessary for you to know your fluid’s colors to save your car’s transmission from damage.
The color of the transmission fluid keeps on changing as its age collects contaminants such as debris and dirt and is subjected to friction. The transmission fluid color chart directs you on what a specific color of your fluid means and that action is required. The color of the transmission fluid depends on how much it is contaminated and what has contaminated it. Failure to maintain this fluid may lead to overheating, leaks, and other transmission faults, which later need repair or replacement.
To check the color of the transmission fluid, begin by locating the transmission dipstick. Remove the dipstick and wipe with a paper towel. The color left on the rag indicates the overall health of the transmission system. It will direct you to the action that you need to take. Let us learn what the various colors of transmission fluids mean to the system:
Autoremedy365 offers a fluid color guide below so you can use dipstick to gauge the fluid of your vehicle’s transmission, and also be knowledgeable enough to do what is require to free your transmission from incurring damages of any kind. Ability to certain the real and best color of your transmission fluid gives you an edge to maintain your car. Therefore, the following are various colors you are expected to have or see in your transmission fluid.
Color Orange
Instead of being light brown, the transmission fluid may look more orange. This is a sign that the transmission fluid is still okay but it is getting older. Again, provided the transmission fluid is see-through and has an orange hue, you probably don’t need to change it just yet. You can drive a little longer before you need to have the transmission fluid flushed out and refilled.
Color Light Brown
Light brown transmission fluid means that the fluid is getting older. The fluid is still translucent and does not need to be changed quite yet. Light brown transmission fluid is not a sign of problems at this time. You can drive your vehicle a little bit longer before you need to change the transmission fluid when it is light brown and translucent.
Color Red
In order for the transmission fluid to do all of the things we listed above effectively, it must be red and translucent. This is the color of new transmission fluid that isn’t dirty or contaminated. The fluid is see-through, viscous, hasn’t oxidized, and is able to protect the transmission and help it shift gears.
Color Brown/Dark Brown
Once the transmission fluid turns brown, which is usually at about 30,000 miles, it’s time to change it. The brown transmission fluid will become opaque, which means you can’t see through it anymore. Brown and dark brown hues indicate that the transmission fluid is no longer viscous and it is oxidizing. Oxidizing means the fluid is filling with air bubbles and is unable to do its job. Change your transmission fluid right away when it’s this color.
Color Pink
Finally, as an aside, it’s important that your transmission fluid never turns pink. You might think that transmission fluid is pink when it is brand new, but it is red. Pink fluid means that there is either water or engine coolant in the transmission fluid and instead of doing its job, the diluted fluid is damaging your transmission. It’s important to bring your vehicle in right away if you see pink fluid leaking from underneath your automobile.
The Importance of Transmission Fluid Color
The need to know the best color of the transmission fluid helps you to know the real one of the required fluid. And knowing the best color of the fluid enables you to give the health fluid to the car which transmits to proper functions of the parts. As we all know, transmission system is one of the essential parts of a vehicle. It transmits the right amount of engine power to the wheels to get the desired speed. It is also the most expensive and complex unit to replace and repair in a vehicle. However, for the system to work properly, it needs transmission fluid. For maximum performance, you should always use the right transmission fluid. The transmission fluid color is the easiest and quickest way to know the health of your transmission system.
Transmission fluids perform a variety of tasks. They protect the planetary gear sets from corrosion, lubricate the bearing and gear systems, and also maintain the right frictional properties for smooth clutch engagement. It is, therefore, important to keep on checking the color of the transmission fluids. The color of the transmission fluid gives you a warning when something in the transmission system needs attention.
When do I Use my Red Color Fluid?
The following are the signs that tell you that you need to service your vehicle by using the required red fluid transmission:
- Transmission fluid usually smells like petroleum. If you notice a burning smell, it is time for it to be replaced. When the smell of the fluid that is being perceived is burnt.
- When the color of the fluid is almost black.
- When once the transmission fluid turns brown, which is usually at about 30,000 miles, it’s time to change it. The brown transmission fluid will become opaque, which means you can’t see through it anymore. Brown and dark brown hues indicate that the transmission fluid is no longer viscous and it is oxidizing. Oxidizing means the fluid is filling with air bubbles and is unable to do its job. Change your transmission fluid using red fluid right away when it’s this color
Red Fluid Leaking From Car
If you notice red fluid leaking from your car, there is a good chance that this is caused by a transmission fluid leak. Fortunately, because of its red color, the problem can be easily identified. Additional ways to determine where or not there is a transmission fluid leak are as follows:
Consistency: Transmission fluid should have a similar look and feel to brake fluid or engine oil (oily and slick).
Location of the leak: A transmission fluid leak usually occurs at the front of the car from the middle.
Prevent Transmission Problems
With more advanced automatic transmission systems available, now it is even more important than ever to use the proper automatic transmission fluid and genuine parts.
Be sure to follow the recommended maintenance schedule for your particular make and model. Your owner’s manual should contain that information.
To help prevent issues before they become major problems, it is essential to keep up with regularly scheduled service or contact Autoremedy 365 for professional help.
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