What Should Your Transmission Fluid Look Like?

3 Instant Ways To Know If Your Transmission Fluid Is Healthy

Checking your transmission fluid usually isn’t the first thing that comes to mind for your regular car maintenance. To be fair, your car probably doesn’t need a transmission fluid flush until around 60,000 to 100,000 miles if it’s an automatic transmission or 30,000 to 50,000 miles if it’s a manual transmission. Some mechanics say not to worry about changing the transmission fluid at all unless it starts to smell or get burnt. 

AAMCO Colorado is the transmission expert. Our team of mechanics are experienced in transmission repair and maintenance needs. If you suspect that your vehicle transmission fluid needs replacing, reach out to us today. We offer a FREE diagnostic at one of our many locations. Schedule an appointment with us today.

How Important Is Transmission Fluid?

What function does transmission fluid serve? Simply put, transmission fluid lubricates the mechanical components of your transmission and keeps the parts from causing too much friction leading to an overheating transmission. Additionally, transmission fluid protects your transmission and helps your gears shift cleaning by avoiding them from sticking or moving too slowly. 

If you’ve noticed that your car is leaking transmission fluid or the fluid seems burnt or looks dark in color, don’t hesitate to take your car into your trusted AAMCO mechanic. Ignoring these signs in your transmission fluid can lead to more expensive and extensive repairs in the future. AAMCO Colorado offers a multi point inspection that diagnoses every component of your vehicle including transmission fluid levels and conditions.

Schedule an inspection with AAMCO CO to check every part of your car.

Is My Transmission Fluid Okay?

It’s easy to check your transmission fluid levels and conditions on your own. There are just a few key things to know before you check it. Unlike checking your oil, make sure your car is running and the fluid is hot. Check for the transmission fluid dipstick, it should look similar to the oil dipstick but should be farther back in the engine compartment under the hood near the transmission. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert, be careful as the fluid could be hot. 

Pull out the dipstick and look at the levels by checking the marking, if the fluid is hot, the fluid should come up to the marking labeled as “Hot” or “Warm”. If the fluid doesn’t reach the marker, your fluid could be low. If you found that the fluid isn’t pink or red in color, the fluid could be burnt or very dirty. Make sure you remember to put the dipstick back securely!

 

If you find that your transmission fluid doesn’t look right or is low, don’t hesitate to reach out to AAMCO Colorado today. We offer Power Purge Transmission Fluid Services that completely flushes out your old transmission fluid and replaces it with brand new fluid.

Indicators Of Healthy Transmission Fluid

Sweet Scent

Transmission fluid should smell almost sweet or maybe like petroleum. If you detect a burning smell from your transmission fluid, this can be a sign that your transmission is overheating and burning off transmission fluid. Don’t hesitate to schedule a Total Car Care Vehicle Courtesy Check for your car to get to the bottom of your funky transmission fluid.

Correct Coloration

Healthy transmission fluid is pink or red in color normally. If you notice that your transmission fluid is brown or black upon inspection, this can be a sign that your fluid is just incredibly dirty due to wear and tear or that the fluid is burning.

Burnt fluid is a sign that your transmission may be running too hot and burning off the fluid. It may be prudent to look into a transmission fluid flush so your car gets fresh transmission fluid and have a proper transmission inspection to prevent future burning off of fluid.

Transmission fluid should be pink or red in color. AAMCO CO.

Proper Viscosity

Your transmission fluid shouldn’t be too thick or sluggish. It should be pretty thin and less viscous than motor oil meaning thinner than motor oil. It is normal for the transmission fluid to get a little thicker over time through use. If you’ve found that the transmission fluid is getting too thick and isn’t properly flowing through the transmission, it may be time for a fluid flush. Schedule an appointment for an AAMCO Power Purge Transmission Fluid service which includes a complete transmission Vehicle Courtesy Check and complete flush of old transmission fluid to replace it with new fluid.

 

AAMCO Colorado Is The Transmission Expert

Trust AAMCO CO For Your Transmission Fluid Needs

If you find that your transmission is looking or smelling funny, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with your trusted local AAMCO in Colorado. Our expert team of mechanics will maintain your transmission and ensure your car will be on the road for years to come.

Find your local AAMCO Colorado

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