Careers in Automotive Technology
Will obtaining an Automotive Technology degree help you pursue a career? In this guide, we go over the top careers in automotive technology you can pursue with this education.
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When was the last time you checked your transmission fluid? If you answered “never,” don’t worry – you’re like most drivers!
Transmission fluid is a viscous fluid that lubricates and protects the internal components of a vehicle’s transmission. Many car owners neglect to check their transmission fluid regularly. While most car owners know how to maintain their motor oil, many are unaware that they should regularly check their transmission fluid and schedule transmission fluid maintenance per manufacturer recommendations.
Checking the color of transmission fluid can indicate the state of the transmission. Transmission fluid should be bright red or slightly darkened, but if it is brown or black, it may indicate a problem.
If the transmission fluid is brown or black, it may need to be changed or flushed to prevent damage to the transmission.
Keep reading to learn more about why transmission fluid matters, what color should transmission fluid be and how to understand transmission fluid color.
What is Transmission Fluid?
Transmission fluid is formed from chemical reactions or crude oil and reshaped hydrocarbons, depending on whether the transmission is automatic or manual.
The fluid travels through a vehicle’s transmission to lubricate and protect the internal components from wear and tear. It also prevents overheating by cooling the transmission as it circulates.
Transmission fluid acts as a hydraulic fluid and assists in the torque converter, valve body and clutch friction operation.
Transmission fluid’s primary purpose is to ensure vehicles can effortlessly shift into and engage gears. It maintains the transmission’s inner elements, allowing it to provide just the right amount of power for the driven speed.
The Importance of Healthy Transmission Fluid
Transmission fluid plays a crucial role in the operation of your vehicle. It essentially hydrates your transmission to ensure it can go the distance. When the transmission fluid is lacking or compromised, it exhausts your transmission, and your vehicle may display signs such as:
- Lack of power
- Overheating
- Noisy while in neutral
- Puddles beneath your parked car
- Burnt odor
- Slipping, or trouble shifting gears
- Grinding or shaking feeling while driving
- Roaring noises
When left unattended, low or compromised transmission fluid can lead to extensive damage and costly repairs. Luckily, you can keep an eye on your transmission fluid by regularly checking its color. Let’s discuss how to evaluate transmission fluid color.
What Color Should Transmission Fluid Be?
Transmission fluid color is translucent but often dyed bright red so it’s easy to identify from other vehicle fluids. However, some transmission fluids may also be dyed blue or purple.
Over time, debris mixes with the fluid, and it naturally darkens. A dark red color is not an immediate cause for concern but should prompt you to keep an eye on it or schedule future maintenance.
So, how do you check transmission fluid color? Most vehicles contain a transmission fluid dipstick that reveals both the color and level.
However, the process for checking transmission fluid color can vary greatly by vehicle. Some newer vehicles don't have a transmission fluid dipstick. In this case, you may need the help of a professional.
Your owner’s manual or vehicle service manual should be able to point you in the right direction. Your manufacturer should also have specifications that tell you how often a transmission fluid change is needed, but if you’re unsure, consult a professional automotive mechanic.
What Each Color of Transmission Fluid Means (Color Guide Chart)
Now that we know what a healthy transmission fluid color looks like, let’s discuss what other transmission fluid colors mean.
Image source: Auto Trends Magazine
Bright red
As previously mentioned, bright red transmission fluid indicates it’s new or like-new. Your transmission should be in excellent shape, and you need not worry about getting the fluid changed.
Dark red
As you drive, debris particles mix with the fluid and darken it slightly. This is a natural occurrence and does not affect your vehicle’s performance.
Brown
If your transmission fluid color appears muddy or brown, it’s because it has begun to oxidize. The elements of transmission fluid that keep your vehicle running successfully are compromised, and you should schedule a fluid transmission change or flush soon.
Dark brown or black
If your transmission fluid color is dark brown or nearly black, contact your automotive technician as soon as possible. Your transmission is receiving little to no lubrication and is on its way to becoming a costly repair. You may also notice your vehicle struggling to engage in gear or chattering as you drive.
Pink
Transmission fluid turns pink when diluted with water or engine coolant, usually due to a leak in the radiator. Pink transmission fluid requires immediate attention as coolant circling throughout your transmission can quickly damage it.
How To Fix Transmission Fluid Problems
If your transmission fluid appears brown or black, you’ll likely need a transmission fluid change or flush.
A transmission fluid change involves draining dirty transmission fluid and refilling it with fresh fluid.
If you’re planning on changing your transmission fluid on your own, check the vehicle's service manual to ensure you’re using the proper fluid. Adding the wrong product can damage your transmission. Do note that transmission fluid changes can leave up to 30% of the old fluid in your transmission and compromise the fresh product sooner than necessary.
For this reason, some car owners prefer a fluid flush. A flush uses specialized equipment to clear out and clean your transmission, torque converter and cooler lines before adding fresh fluid.
Contact a transmission provider or your vehicle manufacturer if you’re unsure which service is best for you, or you aren’t entirely sure you need one. They’ll be able to point you in the right direction.
Universal Technical Institute’s (UTI) transmission provider, AAMCO, provides various transmission flush services that they can help you choose from.
AAMCO is an industry-leading total car care provider that provides UTI’s automotive mechanic school with relevant training aids at select campuses, as well as networking and potential employment opportunities.1
Transmission Fluid Color FAQs
What color is transmission fluid when it’s leaking?
Transmission fluid color is typically dyed red, so it is easy to identify. The transmission fluid leak color will likely have a red-brown hue and an oily consistency.
The location of the puddle is another sure way to determine if the liquid is transmission fluid, as it typically leaks toward the front-middle of the vehicle.
What color is bad transmission oil?
A bad transmission fluid color is muddy brown, dark brown or black. If you notice this, schedule transmission maintenance as soon as possible before damage occurs.
How do I know when my transmission fluid needs replacing?
Your vehicle's service manual should have instructions on how often to change your transmission fluid. The color of the transmission fluid can also determine if it needs replacing. You can use the transmission fluid color chart above as a guide.
Stay Informed at UTI
Are you interested in vehicle mechanics? Want to learn how to repair and maintain transmissions? Consider pursuing a career as a mechanic.
UTI’s automotive mechanic school, diesel mechanic school and motorcycle mechanic school use a blend of online learning and hands-on training in the labs from expert instructors to provide students with a foundation of knowledge and technical skills.18
From maintenance to diagnosis and repair, students are prepared for the industry upon graduation.
Volkswagen technician and UTI graduate, Austin Adair, shared, “Coming out of UTI I was up to date right away. I knew how things worked and how they were evolving. I feel like I got a jump on everything.”
Ready to get started? Request more information today.
UTI Campuses That Offer Automotive Technician Training
YOU COULD START YOUR EXCITING NEW CAREER AS A MECHANIC OR TECHNICIAN TODAY.
With classes starting every 3-6 weeks, no need to wait to start your career.
Hands-on training.Get hands on experience with the industry's leading brands.
No Pressure to commit.Get answers to your questions without any obligations.
1 ) UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.
2 ) For program outcome information and other disclosures, visit www.uti.edu/disclosures.
18 ) UTI now offers all of its automotive, diesel, motorcycle and marine technician training in a blended-learning format consisting of online lecture courses along with in-person, hands-on lab training.
Universal Technical Institute of Illinois, Inc. is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.
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