It might seem odd to write a blog post about the color of transmission fluid, but the different phases of the transmission fluid’s life are reflected in its color. This not only helps you know when it’s time to get your transmission fluid changed, but it also represents the health of the fluid. John Ellis and Son Auto Repair is going to list below the different stages of transmission fluid as represented in the color of the fluid. If you keep an eye on your transmission fluid, this helps you know when it is too old.
Bright Red/Red
The color that you want your transmission fluid to always be is bright red or red. You may not know this, but your transmission fluid does more than protect the transmission. This fluid is also a hydraulic fluid that helps the transmission shift gears seamlessly. In fact, automobiles with low transmission fluid have difficulties shifting gears. When the fluid is red and translucent, it’s in good shape.
Light Brown/Orange
The general recommendation for transmission fluid flushes and refills is every 30,000 miles. At this point, the transmission fluid is turning from light brown or orange to brown. Before the 30,000-mile mark, the transmission fluid will turn light brown or orange but remain translucent. As long as it is in this condition, it’s okay to keep it in the transmission for a little while longer.
Brown/Dark Brown
Once the transmission fluid turns brown, it needs to be changed as soon as possible. This fluid is no longer helping the transmission shift gears, nor is it protecting it. The darker brown the transmission fluid turns the more damage it causes the transmission. The reason why the transmission fluid changes from red to brown is that it is oxidizing, i.e., filling up with tiny air bubbles.
Black
We hate to say it, but if you wait to get your transmission fluid changed until it turns black, you’ve damaged your transmission. It’s so important to never let the fluid get this dark. Black and opaque transmission fluid will not protect the transmission. Rather, it will damage it. This fluid has oxidized and is unable to work as the protective and hydraulic fluid it is designed to be.
Pink/Frothy
Finally, pink, frothy transmission fluid is bad news. The reason why the transmission fluid is pink and frothy is that it has mixed with coolant. In other words, your vehicle has a serious cooling system and transmission problems. Do not drive your automobile when it has pink, frothy transmission fluid.
John Ellis and Son Auto Repair in Sacramento, CA, can check your transmission fluid for you and let you know whether it needs to be changed. Give us a call today.
