What Color Should My Transmission Fluid Be?

Your transmission fluid should be red, but Total Auto Care explains below that the answer isn’t that simple. Transmission fluid does two things. First, it lubricates the transmission to ensure it doesn’t overheat. Second, it cleans the transmission and works as a hydraulic fluid to help it change gears. The color of your transmission fluid indicates whether it needs to be changed, and the stages of transmission fluid can be explained by the different colors.

If the Fluid Is Bright Red

Clean, new, and effective transmission fluid is bright red and translucent. In other words, you can see through the fluid. As long as the fluid is red and see-through, you don’t need to worry about changing it. Generally, transmission fluid needs to be changed every 30,000 miles. If you haven’t driven that far in your automobile, your transmission fluid should be fine.

If the Fluid Is Light Brown

Once the fluid starts to get older, it turns from red to orange or light brown. This fluid is still okay provided that it remains translucent. It doesn’t need to be changed yet, but you want to plan on changing it soon because the fluid is aging and beginning to lose its usefulness. It’s best to keep an eye on the transmission fluid once it turns orange or light brown.

If the Fluid Is Dark Brown or Black

The fluid needs to be changed once it has turned dark brown. If your transmission fluid is black, it definitely needs to be changed. Fluid that is dark brown or black is usually also opaque, which means you can no longer see through it. This fluid has oxidized, i.e., it has air in it. Transmission fluid that is this color is no longer effective and, in fact, it is damaging the transmission.

If the Fluid Is Pink

Finally, it might seem hard to believe that there is something worse than dark brown or black transmission fluid but there is: pink transmission fluid. If your transmission fluid is pink and frothy, it is mixing with engine coolant because there is a leak between the transmission and the cooling system. Once the transmission fluid is diluted, it begins to damage the transmission.Total Auto Care is the best service shop in North Branch, MN, and we’d be happy to check your transmission fluid. Stop by our shop or give us a call today to schedule an appointment. If you’ve driven 30,000 miles since your last transmission service, it’s time for a transmission service.