What Color is Transmission Fluid?

When you’re checking your transmission fluid at home, it’s important to know what color transmission fluid is so you can check for the signs of a serious problem. So what color is transmission fluid? Learn more about transmission fluid colors, the importance of this fluid, and much more with our service team at Big Star Buick GMC in Baytown.

Transmission Fluid Color Guide

The brand new transmission fluid color is a dark red. As this fluid ages and is used by the vehicle, the color will darken. A darker color could also be contaminants getting past a malfunctioning filter. Check out our helpful color guide below to determine if your vehicle’s transmission fluid needs changed or if something else is wrong:

• 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?

Should you notice your vehicle leaking a red fluid, this is likely a transmission fluid leak. A few other ways to identify a transmission leak, in addition to the red color include:

• Odor: Transmission fluid usually smells like petroleum. If the fluid needs to be changed, it’ll smell burnt.
• 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.

Get Ahead of Transmission Problems

Keep the following tips in mind to prevent future problems with your car’s transmission:

• Choose the Right Fluid: With more advanced automatic transmission systems available, it’s important to make sure the right automatic transmission fluid and genuine OEM parts are being used.
• Follow Your Owner’s Manual: Consult your owner’s manual to see what fluid to use, and to see the recommended maintenance schedule for your specific vehicle.
• Keep Up with Transmission Service: Regularly scheduled service can 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.

Rely on Big Star Buick GMC for Your Service Needs

No matter if the time is coming to have your transmission fluid changed or if you’re in need of more serious maintenance, our service team near Channelview is here to help. Schedule service with our team today when you contact our team.