Every 30,000 miles. Keep this in mind because this is how often you should have your vehicle’s transmission oil changed. This oil, which is also called transmission fluid, is crucial to your transmission’s operation and protection. This fluid lubricates the gears and moving parts as well as draws heat away from them. It also works as a hydraulic fluid to help your vehicle’s transmission shift the gears. Willoughby Hills Auto Repair advises that transmission oil changes color as it ages. Below not only answers the titled question but also gives you the stages of transmission fluid life.
It Should Be Bright Red
Your automobile’s transmission fluid should be bright red and translucent. This is the color and condition of new transmission fluid that is protecting the transmission properly. This fluid ensures that your vehicle’s transmission doesn’t overheat and that every gear shift is smooth and seamless. When the transmission fluid is in this condition, it does not need to be changed.
It Can Be Light Brown or Orange
Your transmission oil can also be light brown or orange and still not need to be changed. When it is in this condition, it is still doing its job effectively. As the transmission fluid gets older, it will begin to darken, hence the light brown or orange color. Provided it is still see-through and light brown or orange in color, you can go a little longer before you change the transmission oil.
It Should Not Be Brown or Black
Your transmission fluid should never be brown or black, however. Once it turns this color, it has oxidized. This means that the oil is filled with little bubbles that are directly affecting its ability to do its job. The opaque fluid is not helping the transmission. Rather, it is damaging it. It’s important to have your transmission fluid changed immediately if it is brown or black.
It Definitely Shouldn’t Be Pink
Finally, your transmission fluid should never be pink and frothy. This is a sign that you have a leak between your automobile’s cooling system and the transmission and this leak is mixing coolant with the transmission oil. This damages your transmission beyond the damage that is causing the leak. Pink transmission fluid is a very bad sign.
Willoughby Hills Auto Repair is a full-service auto shop in Willoughby Hills, OH, and we can change your transmission fluid and all other automotive fluids when they need it. Call us today to set up an appointment.