What Color is Transmission Fluid?

The transmission fluid in your car serves as a lubricant and a hydraulic fluid to keep the parts in your transmission running smoothly and transfer heat so the transmission remains an appropriate temperature. Because your vehicle has many different fluids running through it, transmission fluid is dyed a translucent dark red color to help with identification. That means that if you have a red fluid leaking from your car, it’s most likely a transmission fluid leak.

Learn more about what color transmission fluid is and when it’s time to replace it with the service team at Major World CDJR. You can also contact our team if you have any questions!

Transmission Fluid Color Guide

As you drive around Long Island City, your transmission fluid will darken from age and use. Contaminants can also slip past the transmission filter and pollute the transmission fluid, darkening its color and obstructing its viscosity. When you check your transmission fluid levels each month, check what color your transmission fluid is and its viscosity so you know if you need to get a transmission fluid replacement.

Below you’ll find a transmission fluid color guide:

• 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

Why is Red Fluid Leaking from my Car?

If you find red fluid under your car at your East Hill home or your Manhattan parking spot, it’s most likely transmission fluid. Transmission fluid is purposefully dyed a bright red to help with identification, but there are other ways to identify a transmission fluid leak:

• Odor: Transmission fluid usually smells like gasoline. If the fluid needs to be changed, it will smell burnt.
• Consistency: Transmission fluid will look and 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 Transmission Service at Major World CDJR

If it’s time to have your transmission fluid replaced, or if you have a red fluid leaking from your car, it’s time to schedule service at Major World CDJR. Our certified technicians will help you identify any leaks or issues with your transmission and get you back on Westbury roads in no time!

Read our other DIY car care tips to learn how to check your oil and how to perform a tire rotation. You can even save on your next maintenance visit with our service and parts coupons!