What Color is Transmission Fluid?

One common question that comes to our service team is, “What color is transmission fluid?” When the time comes to check your vehicle’s transmission fluid at your Westlake Village home, you’ll want to be able to know what to look for. Transmission fluid is specially dyed for identification purposes so the color can range from light to dark depending on the status of the fluid. Learn more about this vital car fluid with our service team today!

Transmission Fluid Color Guide

The transmission fluid color will darken due to age and vehicle use, but this can also be caused by contaminants getting past a malfunctioning transmission filter. So what is the color of transmission fluid? Use our guide below to be able to determine whether your transmission system has an issue or you simply need transmission fluid replacement near Malibu:

• 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 there’s red fluid leaking from your car, it’s most likely a transmission fluid leak. Luckily, the red color makes it easy to identify the issue. 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 Rusnak BMW for Your Service Needs

Notice your transmission fluid color is too dark or that your car is leaking? Schedule service with us at Rusnak BMW in Thousand Oaks. We also offer service specials to ensure you get the services you need at a more affordable price. Contact us today to learn more with our team near Los Angeles.