Your transmission fluid should be red, but there is more to it than that. Collins Auto Care advises that it is crucial to the health and longevity of your transmission to have the fluid changed every 30,000 miles. This is about how long the fluid will last. The fluid has two jobs, which is why it is so important to change it when it needs it. The first job is to protect the transmission’s moving parts, and the second job is to help the transmission shift gears. Let’s talk about the different colors of transmission fluid and what they mean.
Bright Red
As we mentioned above, you always want the color of your transmission fluid to be bright red. You also want the fluid to be translucent. Both are a sign that the transmission fluid is able to do an excellent job of protecting the transmission and helping it shifts gears. The bright red, translucent fluid does not need to be changed. It is in excellent shape and can remain in the transmission longer.
Orangish
In fact, even if the fluid has turned orange or light brown, it can still remain in the transmission for a little while longer. This color means that the fluid is getting older but it is still doing its job properly. This fluid is also generally translucent. If you have orange or light brown transmission fluid in the transmission, plan to have it changed within the next few months.
Brown
There will come a point when the transmission fluid will become opaque and turn brown. This means that the fluid has oxidized. As with oxidized motor oil, oxidized transmission fluid can cause serious damage to the transmission. As such, you should have the transmission fluid changed immediately if the color is brown.
Black
If you fail to change the transmission fluid, it will continue to darken until it turns black. At this point, it’s safe to say that the transmission fluid is actually damaging the transmission rather than protecting it. In fact, you will start to have transmission problems such as overheating and difficulty changing gears.
Pink
Finally, on a side note, another color that you never want your transmission fluid to be is pink. When the fluid turns pink, it is being diluted by coolant via a rupture between the two systems.
Call Collins Auto Care in Houston, TX, today to set up a transmission fluid flush and refill if you are overdue.
