If your transmission fluid dipstick is in a place that you can check it yourself and the transmission fluid is dark brown, you need to change it right away. Transmission fluid generally needs to be changed every 30,000 miles. This ensures the fluid is always clean, fresh, and capable of protecting the transmission and helping it shift gears. RI Automotive advises that transmission fluid starts off bright red and goes through many color changes throughout its life. Let’s talk about these color changes below.
Bright Red/Red
As we just mentioned, bright red or red transmission fluid is brand new. This fluid is clean, translucent, and doing an excellent job of protecting the transmission. The transmission fluid not only lubricates the inner parts but also draws heat and dirt away from them. It also acts as a hydraulic fluid to help your automatic transmission shift gears. This fluid does not need to be changed.
Orange/Light Brown
As the transmission fluid starts to get a little bit older, it will turn orange or light brown yet remain translucent. As long as the fluid meets these conditions, it is still working well and you don’t need to change it. It’s important to keep an eye on the fluid once it is this color, however, so that you know when it is time to change it. Again, changing it every 30,000 miles is also sufficient in most cases to help keep your transmission healthy.
Brown/Dark Brown
As the title of this blog post states, brown or dark brown transmission fluid needs to be changed right away. This fluid is no longer see-through and it is no longer protecting the transmission. Rather, this fluid is most likely damaging the transmission. You will notice that your gear shifts are rougher and the transmission may even be making strange sounds or smell hot.
Black
Black transmission fluid is devastating to the transmission. This fluid is damaging the transmission. When the transmission fluid is black, the transmission will not only overheat, but it will also refuse to go into gear or shift gears. This fluid needs to be changed immediately and your transmission needs to be flushed.
Pink
Finally, pink transmission fluid is also devastating to your transmission. This fluid will damage the transmission very quickly because it is not transmission fluid alone. It is a mixture of transmission fluid and coolant because you have a severe leak between the two systems.
RI Automotive in Tampa, FL, would be happy to check your transmission fluid to see if it needs to be changed. If it does, we can do that for you.
