Understanding the different colors of transmission fluid is really helpful because it can tell you a lot about how your transmission is doing. Ideally you shouldn’t see transmission fluid all that often, but if you do, The Auto Shop of Chapin wants you to know what it all means.
Red
Red transmission fluid is probably brand new. It’s also easy to see through. You might only see this when it’s being poured into the transmission fluid reservoir, if at all. If you do see bright red transmission fluid, say on the floor of the garage under your car, that means you’ve got a leak and that isn’t such good news. But fresh transmission fluid should normally be ready to go.
Brown
As your transmission fluid ages, it gradually becomes less clear, and it also starts to darken in color. That’s because it’s drawing heat away from the transmission parts continually. It also becomes thicker. Over time, the transmission fluid is less red in color and becomes reddish-brown and then finally brown. Again, you should not see this fluid really unless you’ve sprung a leak somewhere in the transmission.
Pink
Pink fluid in your transmission might sound like no big deal, until you realize that it means that the fluid has somehow come in contact with water. Transmission fluid, like engine oil, is extremely greasy. It has to be, because its big job is to lubricate the transmission. If water gets into the transmission fluid, that’s a massive problem and it severely compromises the fluid. It also means that the transmission itself likely has a big problem.
Black
Black transmission fluid is at the end of its life in your car’s transmission, in a big way. This is transmission fluid that has done all the hard work for a long time and has thickened and collected as much stuff as it absolutely can. It’s probably also pretty gritty from all of the particles it’s picked up while circulating through the transmission for a couple of years. If this describes your transmission fluid, it definitely needs to be changed out as soon as possible.
Need more help than this with your transmission fluid? Give us a call today at The Auto Shop of Chapin in Chapin, SC. We’re happy to help with all sorts of services and repairs ranging from transmission fluid issues to other concerns. Set up an appointment and well help you figure out what’s going on with your car.