What Color is Transmission Fluid?

Uh oh! What is that puddle of red fluid leaking from your car? You’re pretty sure it’s not engine oil. Could it be transmission fluid? What color is transmission fluid? Don’t worry. The friendly technicians in the service center at Hendrick Chevrolet Shawnee Mission want to help you keep your car running in top shape on our Kansas City roads. They’ll be happy to diagnose that leak for you. In the meantime, let’s talk about what might be causing it.

What Color is Transmission Fluid, Exactly?

So, what color is transmission fluid? Transmission fluid is dyed a translucent red to make it easy to identify and differentiate from other fluid colors. So, if you see red fluid leaking from the car, it likely is transmission fluid. Here’s a guide to transmission fluid colors:

• 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

How Do I Know If It’s a Transmission Leak?

Red fluid leaking from a car is in all likelihood a transmission leak. But the best way to diagnose the leak is to schedule an appointment at our service center near Shawnee Mission. In the meantime, here are some other ways to diagnose the leak:

• Smell – Transmission fluid usually smells like petroleum. It will often smell burnt if it needs to be changed.
• Appearance – Except for the red color, transmission fluid looks a lot like engine oil.
• Location – Transmission leaks usually show up directly below the engine, towards the middle and the front. But this differs by vehicle.

How Often Should I Change My Transmission Fluid?

The final word on how often you should change the transmission fluid in your car can be found in your owner’s manual. We recommend changing it every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, depending on the vehicle. Our service technicians will be happy to help you determine if you need to change your transmission fluid soon.

Trust Your Car With The Experts at Hendrick Chevrolet Shawnee Mission of Merriam

Don’t try to tackle a transmission problem yourself. The knowledgeable professionals at our service center can help you with any service or repair you need. Make sure to check out our service coupons for a fantastic price on your car’s maintenance! We’re just a short drive away from Overland Park, so drop by or contact us today.