East Coast EuroWerks explains that the color of your transmission fluid will tell you if it is bad. It can be difficult to check your transmission fluid, however, because the dipstick is located underneath your European automobile in most cases. As such, we’d be happy to check your transmission fluid for you, and you can also keep in mind that the general mileage duration for transmission fluid changes is every 30,000 miles. You can check your owner’s manual for the specific recommendation for your European car or crossover.
The Fluid Should Be Red
Red transmission fluid is healthy transmission fluid that is doing its job properly. The fluid is also translucent, which means you can see through it. Your transmission fluid does more than protect the transmission; it also helps shift the gears. This fluid is both a lubricant and hydraulic fluid. As long as your fluid is red or bright red and translucent, it does not need to be changed.
If it’s Light Brown, it’s Still Okay
Light brown or orange transmission fluid is still okay. Usually, this fluid is still translucent and doing its job the way it needs to be doing it. You needn’t worry about changing this fluid just yet, but the necessity for a change will need to be scheduled shortly. We can give you an estimate as to how many miles you have left on your transmission fluid or we can go ahead and change it if you want us to.
Brown Fluid Is Not Okay
Brown transmission fluid is dirty, old, oxidized, and it needs to be changed. This fluid is damaging your transmission rather than helping it. You may also notice problems with your transmission such as difficulty getting it into gear, grinding noises, problems shifting through the gears, and your vehicle vibrating with each gearshift. It’s important to have your transmission fluid changed right away when it is in this condition. Otherwise, you are going to damage your European automobile’s transmission.
Pink Fluid Is Very Bad
Unfortunately, if your transmission fluid is pink and frothy, you have a serious breach between your engine’s cooling system and the transmission. The reason why the fluid looks like a strawberry milkshake is that it is being diluted by engine coolant. This not only seriously damages your transmission, but it can also damage your cooling system.
East Coast EuroWerks in Wilmington, NC, is here to help with your European automobile no matter what service or repair you need. Call us today to schedule an appointment for a transmission fluid check.
