The color of the transmission fluid in your European automobile should be red, but it can be a little more complicated than this. RB Auto Service explains the transmission fluid can change colors as it gets older. Changing the transmission fluid when it is too old is critical in preventing your transmission from overheating and ensuring that it is providing the proper protection and hydraulic support. Let’s talk about the different stages of transmission fluid, which you can tell by their color.
Bright Red
The transmission fluid in your Beemer, Benz, MINI, or V-Dub should always be bright red. You should be able to see through the transmission fluid and it should have a nice slick feel to it. Transmission fluid that is red and translucent is fluid that is doing its job. This fluid is protecting the gears and drawing heat away from them as well as using its hydraulic properties to help the gears shift. There’s no need to change bright red and translucent transmission fluid.
Light Brown
Once transmission fluid starts to age, it turns light brown or orange. Provided it isn’t brown or dark brown and is still translucent, you don’t necessarily need to have your transmission fluid changed just yet. The average lifespan of transmission fluid is 30,000 miles, which means you should plan on having a transmission flush and refill every 30,000 miles. If the fluid is light brown and translucent at this milestone, you can go a little longer between transmission fluid changes.
Dark Brown
Once the fluid turns brown or dark brown, however, it needs to be changed right away. This fluid will also be opaque, i.e., you can’t see through it. The reason why the fluid turns a darker color is that it is oxidizing, which means it is filling up with tiny air bubbles that directly affect its ability to do its job. It’s important to have your fluid changed when it reaches this color to avoid damaging the transmission. Continuing to drive with brown transmission fluid will cause damage.
Pink
Finally, pink transmission fluid is not brand new. Rather, pink transmission fluid is a sign that your cooling system is leaking into the transmission. The reason why the transmission fluid is pink is that it is being diluted by your European automobile’s engine coolant. As you can imagine, this is a serious problem. You shouldn’t drive your automobile if it has pink transmission fluid.
Call RB Auto Service in Pinellas Park, FL, to schedule an appointment for a transmission check. We will check the fluid and the rest of the transmission to see if it needs to be serviced.