Just as the motor oil lubricates the parts of your engine preventing the engine from burning out and breaking down, transmission oil keeps your transmission lubricated so all those metal parts and gears don’t overheat, grind against each other, and break down.
One of the main characteristics of transmission fluid is its distinctive red color. There is no particular reason why transmission fluid is red other than the color being added during the manufacturing process. The main reason why transmission fluid is bright red is to differentiate it from the other liquids in your vehicle, though the power steering fluid is also red.
The truth is that transmission fluid does far more than lubricates the moving parts. Transmission fluid also maintains fluid pressure, cools your transmission, prevents oxidation, conditions the gaskets, and prevents rust.
If your car is low on transmission fluid, or you have not changed your transmission fluid when suggested, your car’s transmission will quickly begin to break down.
How often your transmission fluid needs to be changed depends on the type of transmission you have. Manual transmissions need to be maintained more often than automatic transmissions. The suggested range for when you should change the fluid on a manual transmission is from 30,000 to 60,000 miles. Check your car’s owner’s manual for more detailed information related to your specific vehicle. Automatic transmissions can go longer with transmission fluid needing to be changed between 60,000 and 100,000 miles.
Despite the manufacturer's recommendations, you should check your transmission fluid on a regular basis checking for signs of a problem. If you are having transmission trouble, you may find that gear shifts are not smooth, or your engine is revving more than usual. You can also tell if you have an issue by a quick inspection of the transmission fluid. If the fluid is either lighter or darker than usual, it could be a sign of a problem. You can also feel the texture of the fluid. If the fluid is too thick it will lose efficiency and the transmission can break down quickly. If you see or feel any particles in the fluid, it is also a sign that something is wrong and should be checked.
Your transmission is a vital part of the car and can be expensive to fix if it breaks down. Preventative maintenance and regular inspections are extremely important to ensure the health of your vehicle and the safety of you and your passengers. If you have not had your transmission checked recently, bring your car down to the garage and we’ll be happy to check it out for you.
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