Newer or gently used transmission fluid is a translucent dark red color, which becomes green over time. There are various shades of this fluid that can indicate issues within your car.
What Color Is Transmission Fluid?
While driving, the transmission fluid eventually takes on a deeper, darker color. However, there may be some cases where its appearance indicates that service is needed.
There are a few different colors that drivers may see, including the following:
- Near Black: Service is needed immediately when the fluid appears this way.
- Blood Red: This color means drivers should schedule service in the near future.
- Brick Red: This is a normal color for transmission fluid after a few months or years of driving.
- Dark Red: When the fluid is dark red without much leakage, it is in great condition.
What Does A Leaking Red Fluid Mean?
Whenever there is a leaking, red-colored fluid coming from your car, it is almost always transmission fluid. Even though this makes the leak easily identifiable, there are a few considerations drivers should make, including:
- Odor: New or gently used fluid will typically smell like petroleum. A burnt odor indicates it’s time for a transmission fluid change.
- Location: Transmission fluid normally leaks from the front of the car, near the middle. A leak occurring anywhere else could be a different fluid that’s been discolored by rust.
- Consistency: This fluid looks and feels oily, and if it takes on a different consistency, there could be more serious problems with the car.
Leaking Transmission Signs
If fluid leaking from the engine is visible, this is a clear indication that the transmission fluid is reducing. It is unsafe to drive a car when this fluid is leaking.
Driving with leaking fluid can potentially harm the engine and cause other damage. Call your local auto care professionals immediately.
Odd Noises
Odd noises while changing gears are typically caused by metals that are grating. Metal-on-metal grating occurs when there is not enough lubrication in your transmission.
Dry and damaged gearboxes can be responsible for these strange sounds. It’s suggested to call your auto care professionals whenever you hear any odd noises coming from your vehicle.
Jerking While In Motion
If the car is jerking while you are driving, this could be a sign of a transmission problem. Typically, this is a direct result of low transmission fluid.
Low transmission fluid levels can cause some jerking while in motion.
How To Check Your Transmission Fluid
The car experts recommend everyone check their transmission fluid levels and its overall condition at least once every month. Inspecting the fluid will help drivers detect minor problems before they become severe hazards.
Here is a quick step-by-step guide to help you check this fluid yourself:
- Start the car and first ensure that the engine is warm prior to inspecting this fluid.
- The fluid dipstick is usually located to the right of the motor oil dipstick on front-wheel drive vehicles.
- Inspect the fluid level with the dipstick to ensure the “full” indication is reached.
- Use a funnel, if necessary, to add any additional fluid.
- Inspect both the look and odor of the fluid.
Heath’s Auto Service in Prescott, AZ
The team at Heath’s Auto Service in Prescott, AZ would be happy to help with all of your automotive service needs!
At Heath’s Auto Service, we take pride in being your one-stop destination for full-service auto and truck repair in Prescott, AZ. Our team of skilled technicians possesses a wealth of e