What Color Should My Transmission Fluid Be?

Your transmission fluid should always be red. It should also be translucent so you can see through it. To keep the transmission fluid this color, haven't changed every 30,000 miles. In addition to changing the transmission fluid, we will also change the transmission filter if your transmission has one. At 30,000 miles, we will also check the transmission for signs of wear and tear. In addition to red, transmission fluid turns different colors throughout its life process. Let's talk more about this.

Orange

Before the transmission fluid is changed at 30,000 miles, it will start to turn orange. Instead of orange, the fluid may also be light brown. This is a sign that the fluid is starting to get older, but it is still effective in terms of protecting the transmission and acting as a hydraulic fluid. Provided you are within the 30,000-mile time frame between services, you do not need to have the orange transmission fluid changed.

Brown

It is important to have brown transmission fluid changed, however. This fluid is starting to fill with air bubbles that will prevent the fluid from being able to protect the transmission. In addition, the reason why the fluid is brown is because it is dirty and burned. When the transmission fluid is brown, it can actually cause damage to the transmission if you don't have a change right away.

Black

You will definitely damage the transmission if you allow the fluid to get so old that it turns black. Unfortunately, this fluid is also opaque, which means it is filled with dirt and grime. Black transmission fluid is also completely oxidized, which means it is filled with air bubbles. We cannot stress the importance of having the transmission fluid changed immediately if it has turned black.

Pink

Finally, it is important to note that you never want to see pink fluid in your transmission. This means that the transmission fluid is filled with engine coolant. Both the transmission and cooling systems come together at a point in your engine so the transmission does not overheat. Cracks in either system will cause the coolant and transmission fluid to mix. This will damage the transmission severely.We are here to help, so give us a call right away if you need to schedule a transmission fluid change. We will perform the service, inspect the transmission, and get you on your way as quickly as possible.