The general recommendation for changing the transmission oil is every 30,000 miles. Bring your vehicle to Getz Automotive for this service faithfully to ensure that the fluid is protecting the transmission and helping it shift gears. Failure to replace the transmission oil can damage the transmission beyond repair. Let’s talk about the color your transmission oil should be and what happens when it ages.
Red
Your transmission oil or fluid should be red. Bright red and translucent transmission fluid is in excellent condition. This fluid is more than capable of keeping the transmission protected as it operates and helping it to shift the gears. You do not need to change your transmission fluid when it is translucent and red. It’s just fine the way it is.
Light Brown
As the fluid starts to age, it will change from red to light brown. In some cases, this color may also look orange. Provided the fluid is still translucent and has not turned brown or dark brown, it is still in decent shape. You do not need to change the transmission fluid just yet. This being said, you will need to change it soon, so plan for the service.
Brown
Once the transmission fluid turns brown, it needs to be changed. This is an indication that the fluid is oxidizing, which means it is filling up with tiny air bubbles that prevent it from being able to protect the transmission and help it shift gears. As the transmission fluid continues to oxidize, it will turn dark brown. Change your transmission fluid right away at this stage.
Black
If you fail to change your transmission fluid at this stage, it will turn black and you will start to have problems with your vehicle’s transmission. The transmission will overheat because the fluid is no longer able to lubricate the moving parts correctly. It will also start to struggle to shift gears because the transmission fluid has lost its hydraulic functionality.
Pink
As an aside, pink transmission fluid is a very bad sign. This is an indication that you have a breach between the transmission and the cooling system. This breach is causing coolant to mix with the transmission fluid and dilute it. Continuing to drive your automobile with the fluid in this condition will damage your transmission beyond repair.
Call Getz Automotive in Fuquay-Varina, NC, today if you have not had your transmission fluid changed in over 30,000 miles. We will schedule a service time that is convenient for you.