Before we talk about the color of transmission fluid, let’s get into what it actually does. The fluid in your automatic transmission works both as a lubricant and hydraulic fluid. It lubricates the transmission parts to keep them clean, draw heat away from them, and protect them. It also helps your automatic transmission shift gears smoothly and seamlessly. Ultimate Auto Repair recommends you have your transmission fluid changed every 30,000 miles. This ensures you have clean transmission fluid in the automatic transmission doing its job the way it should.
Red
Transmission fluid should always be red and translucent. This is a sign that the transmission is in a stage of its life where it is doing its best work. It is capable of protecting the transmission from damage and helping it shift gears. Red and translucent transmission fluid does not need to be changed. It is still in good condition, so there’s no need to replace it.
Orangish-Brown
Transmission fluid that looks orange, light brown, or orangish-brown is still in decent shape and does not need to be changed. This fluid is still translucent and protecting the transmission fairly well. You should not notice any problems with your gear shifting if the transmission fluid is this color. Even though it does not need to be changed yet, it will need to be changed soon. The transmission fluid turns this color when it starts to age.
Brown
Once the transmission fluid is brown, dark brown, or black, it needs to be changed right away. This fluid also loses its translucency when it turns this color. What is happening to the transmission fluid is simple: oxidation. The transmission fluid is filling with air bubbles that prevent it from doing its job. The air bubbles reduce its ability to protect the transmission and you will notice that your vehicle is having problems shifting gears. You may even hear loud grinding or clunking noises when the vehicle shifts gears and your automobile may shake. Again, this fluid needs to be changed right away.
Pink
Finally, transmission fluid should never be pink. If it is pink and frothy, you have a serious breach between your vehicle’s automatic transmission and the cooling system. The reason why the fluid has turned pink and frothy is that it is filled with coolant. This combination can seriously damage your transmission and your vehicle’s engine.
Call Ultimate Auto Repair in Jackson, MI, today if it’s been over 30,000 miles since you’ve had your transmission fluid changed. We will flush and refill the transmission.
