Your transmission fluid changes colors as it goes through its life stages just as your motor oil does. Transmission fluid’s primary job is to lubricate the hundreds of parts found in your vehicle’s transmission. It reduces wear and tear on transmission parts just as motor oil reduces wear and tear on engine parts. We here at J&M Auto Service can change your fluid when you need it. Here’s one of the ways we can tell the fluid can no longer do its job.
New Transmission Fluid Is Bright Red and See-Through
If your automobile’s fluid is new and doing its job just fine, it will be bright red and translucent. Fresh transmission oil is see-through because it doesn’t have dirt, grime, or metal sludge in it. It’s also free of oxidation. Red fluid doesn’t need changing. It’s fresh and viscous.
Aging Fluid Is Brown but Still See-Through
As the fluid in your automobile ages, it begins to turn from bright red to brown. This isn’t a bad thing. It’s just a sign that the fluid has “been around the block” a few times and is starting to get old. As long as the fluid isn’t dark brown and is still translucent, you don’t need to change it quite yet.
Old Transmission Fluid Is Dark Brown and No Longer Translucent
Once the fluid turns dark brown and you can no longer see through it, it’s old and it’s time to change it. Dark brown fluid is not able to lubricate the transmission parts properly and, as such, the parts will start to overheat and break down. Dark brown fluid is beginning to oxidize.
Dead Transmission Fluid Is Black
Once the fluid is black, it’s damaging your vehicle’s transmission. (It’s actually beginning to damage the transmission when it’s dark brown.) Black fluid has oxidized and cannot do its job at all. This ruins transmission parts to the point that you might actually need a new transmission.
Dead Fluid Is Also Pink
Finally, pink fluid means there is coolant mixing with the fluid and, you guessed it, this is a very bad sign. Although your cooling and transmission systems are two different systems, there is an internal radiator tank that can crack and leak coolant into the transmission.
Check your owner’s manual to see when you should have your transmission fluid changed and then contact J&M Auto Service today. Our shop is located in Tea, SD.