What Color is Transmission Fluid?

When you notice red fluid leaking from your car or the transmission fluid darker than usual, you might be curious what’s going on. Luckily, transmission fluid is specially dyed for identification purposes, so after knowing what each color means, you will know what’s wrong. When transmission fluid is brand-new, it's translucent and dark red in color. Find out about this vital car fluid and its properties from the service center at Sonia’s CDJR today. 

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Transmission Fluid Color Guide

Your vehicle's transmission fluid color will darken from age and vehicle use, but it can also be from contaminants getting past a malfunctioning transmission filter. Below, you'll find a basic color guide. You can use it to determine whether your transmission system has an issue or you simply 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? 

If you notice red fluid leaking from your car, it's most likely a transmission fluid leak. Thankfully, the red color makes it easy to identify the problem. Other ways to identify a transmission leak 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 Sonia’s CDJR for Your Service Needs

Think there’s something wrong with your transmission fluid? Count on Sonia's CDJR to find out the issue and we will resolve it before you head back on the roads in Orange, MA! Be sure to use our coupons to save your next visit.