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Keeping Your Vehicle In Great Condition

Hi there, my name is Nellie. Welcome to my site. I am excited to share my knowledge about automotive service on this site. I would like to help everyone learn about how to keep their cars and trucks in excellent condition over the years. My site will cover all of the different maintenance and repair tasks required by vintage and modern vehicles. I will talk about the tools and safety equipment you must use for each task. I hope you can use the information on my site to keep your vehicle well-maintained and running great. Thank you for your visit.

Keeping Your Vehicle In Great Condition

The 5 Color Changes Of Transmission Fluid

by Ana King

Transmission fluid keeps your vehicle's transmission parts lubricated, clean, and cool. How do you know that it is time to service your transmission? You can tell by the color of your transmission fluid. 

Checking Your Transmission Fluid for Color Change

You check your transmission fluid much the same way you check your oil level. As the color of your transmission fluid changes from amber to black, the level of your transmission fluid will reduce and become thicker. The color changes indicate a possible need for transmission service.

  • Light red or amber transmission fluid is new fluid and a sign of healthy transmission. It's bright and semi-transparent. It may have a slightly sweet smell or no smell at all.
  • Pink fluid signals that coolant has mixed in with your transmission fluid. Coolant will dilute the normal amber color to pink. The cause is likely leaky gaskets that need to be replaced.
  • Light brown or maroon fluid means that you have driven long enough for the new fluid to begin to break down — usually a few thousand miles. Maroon is the color your transmission fluid will stay for most of its lifecycle. The average lifecycle of transmission fluid is around 100,000 miles, although service recommendations vary by dealer and manufacturer. When you hit that mark, it is likely time for a change. 
  • Dark brown fluid means that your transmission fluid is beginning to reach the end of its lifecycle. If you wait too long for a transmission fluid change, you will begin to notice a burnt smell coming from your transmission. You will also notice a reduction of fluid in your transmission
  • Very dark brown or black transmission fluid means that it needs to be changed as soon as possible. Black fluid means that your transmission fluid has oxidized and will smell burnt. It will look sludgy, meaning that it is no longer lubricating your transmission. If you wait to change your fluid, you could end up with more expensive transmission repairs.

If you neglect to check your transmission fluid, it will deteriorate over time and change color. A good rule of thumb is to check your transmission fluid every time you change your vehicle's oil. If you don't have your mechanic check your transmission fluid, you should check the transmission fluid color and its level when you see leakage or smell it getting too hot which may indicate that it is burning. Failure to check the fluid may mean that an inexpensive transmission fluid change has turned into an expensive transmission rebuild. For more information on the transmission fluid, contact a professional near you.

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