What Color Should Transmission Fluid Be?

If you’re not very familiar with transmission maintenance or you’ve just found a fluid leak under your car, you may be wondering, “What color is transmission fluid?” When it’s fresh, the color of transmission fluid is dark red, and the fluid has a translucent appearance. The transmission fluid color is added to the fluid with dye for identification purposes. Need to identify a fluid leak on your Birmingham driveway? Or, are you wondering how to discern whether your transmission fluid is in good condition? Join our service team below for extra insight into the color of transmission fluid!

What Can Transmission Fluid Color Tell You? 

As you now know, the color of transmission fluid should be dark red and translucent. However, depending on how many miles you’ve driven around Vestavia Hills and Bessemer since your last fluid change, the color may have started to change — this naturally occurs over time, but there is a point at which your transmission fluid color will indicate that service is needed:

• Brand-new fluid: Dark red
• Normal: Darker brick red
• Service your vehicle soon: Deep blood red/rust red
• Service your vehicle immediately: Burnt/almost black 

Transmission Fluid Leak Color

Is there a red fluid leaking from your vehicle? You can probably guess by now that red is often a transmission fluid leak color. However, you should go through these other points to confirm whether it’s transmission fluid or something else: 

• Scent: There is a petroleum-like odor associated with transmission fluid. The fluid might also smell burnt if it needs to be replaced.
• Touch: What does the fluid feel like? Transmission fluid is oily and slick to the touch, like engine oil or brake fluid.
• Location: If the red fluid leak is near the front middle area of your car, it’s likely transmission fluid.

How to Prevent Transmission Issues

No one wants to pay the cost of a new transmission because of issues that could have been avoided. With that in mind, here are some quick tips to help prevent transmission fluid leaks and other problems: 

• Use the Right Fluid: Today’s automatic transmissions are highly advanced and may require special fluid. Check your owner’s manual or consult our service advisors to be sure you’re using the proper fluid.
• Follow Your Owner’s Manual: Never stray from the recommended transmission maintenance as it is listed in your owner’s manual unless you’ve consulted a service professional about unique circumstances.
• Keep Up with Transmission Service: Routine service checks can bring minor issues to light before they grow into major problems.

Trusted Transmission Service in Hoover

Hendrick Chevrolet Hoover is home to a state-of-the-art service center where you can get trusted fluid service and transmission checks. Book your next service online, or take a look at additional maintenance tips if you’re looking for more car care information.