What Color is Transmission Fluid?

What color is transmission fluid? Our team is often asked this question. Transmission fluid is specially dyed for identification purposes, and fresh transmission fluid is translucent and dark red in color. Explore more information about this vital car fluid and its properties with Riverside Chevrolet of Rome near Dalton and Rockmart. If you have any questions, contact our service center at Riverside Chevrolet of Rome!

Transmission Fluid Color Guide

Have you got red fluid leaking from cars? Well, it just may be your transmission fluid. Your vehicle’s transmission fluid color will darken with age and vehicle use, or from contaminants moving past a malfunctioning transmission filter. Explore the basic color guide. You can use this guide to determine whether your transmission system has an issue or you jsut need transmission fluid replacement: 

• 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 

Red Fluid Leaking from Car: What Does it Mean? 

Red fluid leaking from cars is a sign that your transmission is leaking. Luckily, the red color clearly informs you of the issue. You can also identify a transmission leak by these markers:

• Consistency: Transmission fluid will look/feel oily and slick like engine oil or brake fluid.
• Location of the Leak: Transmission fluid tends to leak in front of the car from the middle. 
• Odor: Transmission fluid usually smells like petroleum. If the fluid needs to be changed, it’ll smell burnt.

What Color is Transmission Fluid and How to Stay On Top of Issues

The following tips are important to keep in mind, and prevent future problems with your car’s transmission: 

• Choose the Right Fluid: Because more advanced automatic transmission systems are now available, it’s important to make sure you have the correct automatic transmission fluid and genuine OEM parts are being used. 
• Follow Your Owner’s Manual: Your owner’s manual will inform you of what fluid to use, and to see the recommended maintenance schedule for your specific vehicle. 
• Keep Up with Transmission Service: You’ll want to check in on your regularly scheduled serviceto help catch issues before they become severe, and your local authorized dealership will know when you inspect and replace transmission components or perform a transmission flush. 

Come to Riverside Chevrolet of Rome for Your Service Needs

If you have found your transmission fluid color to be too dark or your vehicle is leaking from the area we discussed above, schedule serviceat Riverside Chevrolet of Rome. We are happy to help get your vehicle back on Adairsville roads. Be sure to explore our parts and service coupons so you can get extra savings on your routine and specialized services!