Knowing the color of a healthy transmission fluid helps you ensure that you always have healthy transmission fluid in the transmission. This fluid is crucial to your transmission’s protection and performance. It lubricates moving parts and reduces heat and friction as well as provides the hydraulic force needed for the gears to shift. Heath’s Auto Service provides a transmission fluid color guide below that lists the different stages of transmission fluid life by color.
Bright Red/Red
Bright red or red transmission fluid is new, clean, viscous, and translucent. This means that the transmission fluid is doing its job and does not need to be replaced at this time. The fluid is protecting the transmission the way it needs to, and it’s also helping it shift gears smoothly and effectively. This is the color your transmission fluid should be all the time.
Light Brown/Orange
Light brown or orange transmission fluid is getting a little bit older and is on its way to needing to be changed. It doesn’t need to be changed quite yet, but once you reach 30,000 miles since your last transmission fluid change, you need to schedule the flush and refill. This fluid should still be translucent and you shouldn’t have any problems with your transmission shifting gears.
Brown/Dark Brown
Brown or dark brown transmission fluid needs to be changed. This is a sign that it’s been more than 30,000 miles since your last transmission fluid change. This fluid is oxidizing, which means that it is filling with air bubbles, and it is no longer protecting the transmission. In other words, keeping this transmission fluid in the system will begin to damage your transmission.
Black
Black transmission fluid is already damaging your transmission. You are likely having transmission problems, such as difficulty getting your automobile into gear, grinding or slipping gears, and problems with the gears shifting correctly through the gear cycle. Black transmission fluid is completely oxidized and opaque. Instead of lubricating the transmission parts, it’s dirtying them up.
Pink
Pink transmission fluid is also a sign of serious trouble. This fluid is a combination of transmission oil and engine coolant, and it is usually milky and frothy. If you continue to drive your automobile with the transmission fluid in this condition, you will damage the transmission very quickly. This fluid is diluted and cannot do its job.
Heath’s Auto Service in Flagstaff, AZ, would be happy to change your transmission fluid if it’s been 30,000 miles since your last fluid flush. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
