9+ Transmission Fluid Colors: What's Normal?


9+ Transmission Fluid Colors: What's Normal?

New, wholesome computerized transmission fluid usually reveals a brilliant, translucent pink colour. This coloration is usually achieved by the addition of dyes, permitting for straightforward identification and leak detection. Over time and with use, the fluid can darken, turning a brownish and even blackish hue. This colour change can point out the presence of contaminants resembling worn clutch materials, steel shavings, or oxidized fluid, signaling a possible want for service.

Sustaining the proper fluid high quality is essential for correct transmission operate. The fluid lubricates the intricate transferring components inside the transmission, stopping extreme put on and tear. It additionally acts as a coolant, dissipating the warmth generated by friction. Often checking the fluid’s colour, together with its stage and odor, permits for proactive upkeep, probably stopping expensive repairs and increasing the transmission’s lifespan. Traditionally, discerning the colour supplied a readily accessible diagnostic technique earlier than extra refined analyses have been obtainable.

Additional dialogue will discover the various kinds of transmission fluid, the importance of colour adjustments in diagnosing transmission issues, beneficial fluid change intervals, and the procedures for checking and altering the fluid.

1. Shiny, Translucent Pink

Shiny, translucent pink serves because the visible benchmark for wholesome computerized transmission fluid (ATF). This coloration stems from dyes added to the fluid, facilitating leak detection and differentiation from different automotive fluids. The translucence permits for visible inspection of contaminants. Contemporary ATF reveals this attribute pink, indicating the fluid possesses the mandatory properties for optimum transmission efficiency, together with lubrication, cooling, and hydraulic energy switch. Deviation from this colour indicators potential degradation and warrants additional investigation.

A shift away from brilliant, translucent pink in direction of darker hues, resembling brown or black, suggests the fluid has begun to oxidize and accumulate particles. This degradation can stem from a number of elements, together with excessive working temperatures, prolonged use with out adjustments, and mechanical put on inside the transmission. For instance, a darkish, burnt odor accompanying a brown colour usually signifies overheating. Black fluid with a gritty texture can counsel extreme put on of inner elements, like clutch plates, producing metallic particles that contaminate the fluid. Recognizing these visible cues permits for well timed intervention, probably stopping intensive harm.

Understanding the importance of brilliant, translucent pink ATF permits car homeowners and mechanics to evaluate transmission well being shortly. Whereas a colour change does not essentially point out speedy failure, it highlights the necessity for additional examination. Often checking the fluid colour, together with different diagnostic measures, promotes proactive upkeep and might considerably prolong the transmission’s lifespan. Ignoring these visible cues can result in expensive repairs and even full transmission failure. This underscores the sensible significance of recognizing the connection between fluid colour and transmission situation.

2. Wholesome Fluid

Wholesome computerized transmission fluid (ATF) is important for correct transmission operate. A key indicator of ATF well being is its colour. Contemporary, wholesome ATF usually presents a brilliant, translucent pink. This coloration derives from dyes added to the fluid, not from its inherent properties. The dye permits for straightforward leak detection and differentiation from different automotive fluids. The translucence signifies the absence of contaminants and degradation merchandise. This vibrant pink colour signifies the fluid retains its lubricating, cooling, and hydraulic energy switch capabilities. Trigger and impact are immediately linked: wholesome fluid maintains its supposed colour, enabling the transmission to function effectively.

Sustaining wholesome ATF is essential for a number of causes. The fluid lubricates the advanced inner elements of the transmission, decreasing friction and put on. It additionally acts as a coolant, dissipating the warmth generated throughout operation. Moreover, ATF transmits hydraulic strain, enabling gear adjustments and torque converter operate. An actual-world instance illustrates the significance: if the ATF turns into contaminated or degrades, its colour shifts towards brown or black. This darkening indicators a lack of efficiency traits and the potential for accelerated put on. Ignoring this visible cue can result in slippage, tough shifting, overheating, and finally, transmission failure.

In abstract, wholesome ATF immediately correlates with the brilliant, translucent pink colour. Often checking the fluid’s colour offers a easy but efficient strategy to assess transmission well being. Deviation from this colour necessitates additional investigation to determine the underlying trigger and forestall potential harm. Understanding this relationship permits for proactive upkeep, extending the transmission’s lifespan and stopping expensive repairs. Whereas colour serves as a main indicator, complete ATF evaluation, together with assessing the fluid’s odor and consistency, offers a extra full image of transmission situation.

3. Brown or Black

Brown or black transmission fluid signifies a major departure from the wholesome, brilliant pink norm. This colour shift indicators degradation of the fluid and potential issues inside the transmission. The darkening happens because of a number of elements, primarily oxidation, warmth, and the buildup of wear and tear particles. Oxidation happens because the fluid ages and reacts with oxygen, breaking down its chemical construction and decreasing its effectiveness. Excessive working temperatures speed up this course of. Friction inside the transmission generates warmth, and because the fluid ages, its potential to dissipate warmth diminishes, additional contributing to oxidation and darkening. Put on particles, resembling clutch materials and steel shavings from gears and different elements, additionally contribute to the colour change. These particles droop within the fluid, darkening its look and probably exacerbating put on by appearing as abrasives. Trigger and impact are clearly linked: the buildup of wear and tear particles and the consequences of oxidation and warmth immediately outcome within the fluid turning brown or black.

The colour of the transmission fluid offers precious diagnostic info. A gradual shift in direction of brown might point out the fluid is nearing the tip of its service life, prompting a scheduled fluid change. A fast darkening to black, notably when accompanied by a burnt odor, usually signifies extreme overheating or important inner harm. For instance, a slipping transmission producing extreme friction may cause the fluid to overheat quickly, turning it black. Equally, a worn-out clutch pack can shed massive quantities of fabric, resulting in a noticeable darkening and a gritty texture within the fluid. These real-world examples illustrate the significance of recognizing the connection between fluid colour and transmission well being. Ignoring a darkish brown or black fluid can result in additional harm, probably requiring expensive repairs and even transmission alternative.

In conclusion, brown or black transmission fluid serves as a essential warning signal. It signifies the fluid has degraded and misplaced its protecting properties. The severity of the colour change usually correlates with the extent of the underlying downside. Often checking the fluid colour, together with different diagnostic measures, permits proactive upkeep and prevents minor points from escalating into main repairs. Understanding the causes and implications of brown or black transmission fluid is important for sustaining transmission well being and increasing its operational life.

4. Burnt Fluid

Burnt transmission fluid represents a essential stage in fluid degradation, immediately impacting transmission well being and efficiency. Analyzing the fluid’s colour offers essential diagnostic info, linking visible cues to underlying mechanical points. Understanding the traits of burnt fluid permits for well timed intervention and prevents catastrophic transmission failure.

  • Look

    Burnt fluid usually reveals a darkish brown or black colour, considerably completely different from the wholesome, translucent pink. This darkening outcomes from excessive warmth breaking down the fluid’s chemical composition, inflicting oxidation and the buildup of charred particles. As an example, a transmission working beneath heavy load for prolonged intervals can overheat the fluid, leading to a burnt odor and a noticeably darker colour.

  • Odor

    A definite, acrid odor accompanies burnt transmission fluid. This pungent odor usually described as burnt toast or sulfur, arises from the breakdown of the fluid’s components and base oil because of extreme warmth. This odor serves as a transparent indicator of extreme thermal stress inside the transmission. An actual-world instance can be a towing car experiencing transmission slippage on a steep incline, resulting in overheating and the attribute burnt odor.

  • Viscosity

    Burnt fluid can exhibit altered viscosity. Whereas typically thicker as a result of accumulation of suspended particles, extended overheating can skinny the fluid, decreasing its lubricating properties. This lowered viscosity compromises the fluid’s potential to guard transferring components, accelerating put on. A transmission experiencing delayed or harsh shifting might have burnt, thinned-out fluid contributing to the issue.

  • Implications

    The presence of burnt transmission fluid signifies important issues requiring speedy consideration. Continued operation with burnt fluid will exacerbate put on on inner elements, resulting in expensive repairs or full transmission failure. The burnt fluid itself turns into abrasive, accelerating put on on clutches, bearings, and different essential components. Failing to handle this concern can result in full transmission failure, necessitating a expensive alternative.

In abstract, burnt transmission fluid, recognized by its darkish colour, acrid odor, and probably altered viscosity, indicators extreme points inside the transmission. Recognizing these traits and understanding their implications permits for proactive intervention, mitigating additional harm and probably saving important restore prices. A fluid evaluation and inspection by a professional mechanic are essential when burnt fluid is suspected, enabling correct prognosis and acceptable corrective motion.

5. Signifies Put on

Transmission fluid colour serves as a vital indicator of wear and tear inside the computerized transmission system. Analyzing the fluid’s colour offers precious insights into the situation of inner elements and potential mechanical points. A shift from the traditional brilliant, translucent pink to darker hues signifies put on and tear, prompting additional investigation to stop expensive repairs.

  • Shade Shift

    The obvious indicator of wear and tear is a change within the transmission fluid’s colour. A transition from brilliant pink to brown signifies the buildup of wear and tear particles, resembling clutch materials and steel shavings. As these particles droop within the fluid, they darken its look. The diploma of colour change usually correlates with the extent of wear and tear. For instance, a light-weight brown hue would possibly point out regular put on over time, whereas a darkish, opaque brown or black suggests extra superior put on and tear.

  • Fluid Viscosity

    Put on inside the transmission may also have an effect on fluid viscosity. As elements put on down, microscopic steel particles can contaminate the fluid, altering its stream traits. This contamination can result in both elevated or decreased viscosity, impacting the fluid’s potential to lubricate and funky successfully. A noticeable change in viscosity, detectable by a fluid pattern evaluation, usually accompanies a colour shift, offering additional proof of wear and tear.

  • Particle Evaluation

    Microscopic evaluation of the transmission fluid can reveal the kind and amount of wear and tear particles current. Figuring out particular steel sorts, resembling iron or aluminum, can pinpoint the supply of wear and tear inside the transmission. As an example, a excessive focus of iron particles would possibly counsel extreme put on on gears or bearings. This detailed evaluation offers precious info for diagnosing particular mechanical issues and figuring out the suitable plan of action.

  • Efficiency Points

    Whereas fluid colour offers visible proof of wear and tear, related efficiency points supply additional affirmation. Slipping gears, harsh shifting, or delayed engagement can point out worn clutches or different inner elements. These efficiency issues usually correlate with darker fluid colour and adjustments in viscosity, making a complete diagnostic image. For instance, a car experiencing delayed shifting and exhibiting darkish brown fluid seemingly suffers from important put on inside the transmission.

In conclusion, analyzing transmission fluid colour, together with viscosity and particle content material, offers a complete understanding of wear and tear inside the computerized transmission. These interconnected elements supply precious insights into the situation of inner elements, permitting for knowledgeable choices concerning upkeep and repairs. Often checking and analyzing the fluid helps stop minor put on points from escalating into main transmission issues, making certain optimum car efficiency and longevity.

6. Examine Often

Often checking transmission fluid colour is a elementary side of preventative car upkeep. This easy examine offers precious perception into the fluid’s situation and the general well being of the transmission. Trigger and impact are immediately linked: adjustments in fluid colour usually correlate with particular mechanical points or put on patterns. The significance of normal checks stems from the fluid’s essential function in lubricating, cooling, and facilitating hydraulic energy switch inside the transmission. Neglecting these checks can result in undetected issues escalating into expensive repairs and even full transmission failure. An actual-world instance illustrates this level: a car proprietor persistently checking the fluid would possibly discover a gradual darkening from brilliant pink to brown, indicating regular put on and tear. This early commentary permits for well timed fluid adjustments, stopping accelerated put on on inner elements. Conversely, failing to examine the fluid might end in a missed alternative to determine a extra severe concern, like a darkening to black, indicating burnt fluid and potential overheating. The sensible significance of normal checks lies of their potential to facilitate proactive upkeep, extending transmission lifespan and minimizing downtime.

Additional emphasizing the significance of normal checks, take into account the challenges of diagnosing transmission issues with out visible inspection. Inner transmission elements will not be readily accessible, making fluid evaluation a essential diagnostic device. Common checks present a baseline for comparability, permitting for refined adjustments in colour to be readily recognized. These adjustments, whereas seemingly insignificant, can sign the onset of wear and tear or contamination. For instance, a slight shift in direction of a darker pink would possibly point out the start phases of fluid oxidation, prompting additional investigation. With out common checks, this early warning signal might be missed, probably resulting in extra important harm down the road. The frequency of checks depends upon car utilization and producer suggestions, however a common guideline is to examine the fluid month-to-month or as a part of scheduled upkeep.

In conclusion, common checks of transmission fluid colour supply a simple but highly effective technique for monitoring transmission well being. The visible cues supplied by the fluid’s colour permit for early detection of potential issues, enabling proactive upkeep and stopping expensive repairs. Integrating common fluid checks right into a complete upkeep routine maximizes transmission longevity and ensures optimum car efficiency. This easy follow demonstrates the direct connection between preventative upkeep and long-term car reliability, highlighting the significance of understanding and appearing upon the data revealed by transmission fluid colour.

7. Leak Detection

Transmission fluid’s distinctive brilliant pink colour performs a vital function in leak detection. This deliberate coloration offers a stark distinction in opposition to the usually darkish surfaces beneath a car, making even small leaks readily seen. The cause-and-effect relationship is easy: a vibrant pink fluid escaping onto a darkish floor creates a extremely noticeable stain, alerting car homeowners to a possible downside. This visible cue permits for immediate identification of leaks, stopping additional fluid loss and potential harm to the transmission. Think about a real-world situation: a small leak in a transmission line would possibly go unnoticed with out the fluid’s distinct colour. Nonetheless, the brilliant pink stain on a driveway or storage ground instantly indicators an issue, prompting well timed inspection and restore. The sensible significance of this straightforward identification lies in its potential to stop extra intensive and expensive harm. Early detection minimizes fluid loss, decreasing the chance of transmission overheating and element put on. It additionally permits for well timed restore of the leak supply, stopping additional harm and making certain the transmission’s continued dependable operation.

Moreover, the colour of the transmission fluid assists in differentiating it from different automotive fluids. Engine oil, brake fluid, and energy steering fluid usually seem darker, making it tough to pinpoint the supply of a leak. The transmission fluid’s brilliant pink colour eliminates this ambiguity, facilitating correct prognosis and focused repairs. As an example, a pink fluid leak close to the transmission housing clearly signifies a transmission fluid leak, whereas a darker leak in the identical space would possibly originate from one other system. This distinction simplifies troubleshooting and prevents pointless repairs. Moreover, understanding the placement of the leak, aided by the fluid’s colour, helps mechanics determine the precise defective element, resembling a leaking seal or a broken line, streamlining the restore course of. This exact identification minimizes restore time and prices, reinforcing the sensible worth of the fluid’s distinct colour.

In abstract, the brilliant pink colour of transmission fluid serves as a essential ingredient in leak detection. The colour’s distinction in opposition to widespread surfaces, coupled with its distinction from different automotive fluids, permits for fast and correct identification of leaks. This early detection permits proactive upkeep, stopping additional fluid loss, minimizing potential harm, and making certain the transmission’s long-term well being. The hyperlink between fluid colour and leak detection highlights the significance of normal visible inspections and underscores the worth of understanding the diagnostic info supplied by the fluid’s look. Ignoring leaks, even seemingly minor ones, can result in important transmission issues and expensive repairs, reinforcing the sensible significance of this available visible cue.

8. Important for Operate

Transmission fluid, readily identifiable by its brilliant pink hue, performs an important function within the operate and longevity of computerized transmissions. The fluid’s colour, whereas essential for leak detection, additionally affords insights into its situation and, consequently, the transmission’s well being. Understanding this connection is important for correct car upkeep and stopping expensive repairs. The next aspects discover the essential features of transmission fluid and the way its colour pertains to its effectiveness.

  • Lubrication

    Transmission fluid lubricates the advanced array of transferring components inside the transmission, minimizing friction and put on. These components, together with gears, bearings, and clutches, function beneath excessive strain and generate important warmth. The fluid’s lubricating properties, immediately impacted by its situation and thus mirrored in its colour, are important for stopping metal-on-metal contact and making certain easy operation. A darkened fluid, indicating degradation, might lose its lubricating effectiveness, resulting in elevated friction, accelerated put on, and potential element failure.

  • Cooling

    The transmission generates substantial warmth throughout operation. Transmission fluid dissipates this warmth, stopping overheating and harm to delicate inner elements. The fluid’s potential to soak up and switch warmth is essential for sustaining optimum working temperatures. Because the fluid degrades, indicated by a shift in direction of a darker colour, its cooling capability diminishes. This discount can result in overheating, inflicting harm to seals, clutches, and different elements, finally affecting transmission efficiency and lifespan.

  • Hydraulic Energy Switch

    Computerized transmissions depend on hydraulic strain to have interaction and disengage clutches, facilitating gear adjustments and enabling torque converter operate. Transmission fluid acts because the hydraulic medium, transmitting strain all through the system. The fluid’s viscosity and cleanliness, mirrored in its colour and readability, immediately have an effect on its potential to transmit strain successfully. Contaminated or degraded fluid, usually showing darker, can compromise hydraulic operate, resulting in erratic shifting, slippage, and lowered energy supply.

  • Situation Indicator

    The colour of the transmission fluid acts as a readily accessible indicator of its situation. The brilliant pink colour of recent fluid signifies optimum efficiency traits. Because the fluid ages and degrades, its colour shifts in direction of brown or black, signaling a decline in its lubricating, cooling, and hydraulic properties. This visible cue offers precious diagnostic info, prompting additional investigation and preventative upkeep. Often checking the fluid’s colour permits for early detection of potential issues, minimizing the chance of intensive harm and expensive repairs.

In conclusion, the colour of transmission fluid offers essential insights into its useful effectiveness. The fluid’s very important roles in lubrication, cooling, and hydraulic energy switch are immediately linked to its situation, mirrored by its colour. Often monitoring the fluid’s colour permits proactive upkeep, making certain the transmission operates effectively and maximizing its lifespan. Ignoring adjustments in fluid colour can result in important efficiency points and expensive repairs, underscoring the connection between this easy visible cue and the transmission’s total well being and performance.

9. Seek the advice of a Mechanic

Whereas observing transmission fluid colour offers precious preliminary info, consulting a professional mechanic stays essential, notably when deviations from the traditional brilliant pink are noticed. The connection between fluid colour and the necessity for skilled session stems from the constraints of visible inspection alone. Though colour adjustments usually point out underlying points, they don’t pinpoint the precise trigger or the extent of the harm. A mechanic possesses the experience and specialised instruments to carry out a complete prognosis, going past easy visible evaluation. Think about a situation the place the fluid seems darkish brown. Whereas this implies degradation, the precise trigger might vary from regular put on and tear requiring a fluid change to extra severe points like clutch put on or overheating. A mechanic can precisely diagnose the issue by a mixture of fluid evaluation, strain assessments, and visible inspection of inner elements, enabling focused repairs.

Moreover, a mechanics experience extends past prognosis. They’ll advise on the suitable plan of action, whether or not it entails a easy fluid change, a extra advanced restore, or perhaps a transmission rebuild. Their information of particular transmission sorts and customary failure modes ensures the best answer is applied. As an example, a mechanic can decide if a darker fluid necessitates a whole fluid flush or just a top-off. They’ll additionally determine potential underlying issues contributing to fluid degradation, like a defective cooler or a worn seal. This complete method not solely addresses the speedy concern but in addition prevents future issues, maximizing the transmission’s lifespan and minimizing long-term prices. Trying DIY repairs based mostly solely on fluid colour can result in misdiagnosis, incorrect repairs, and probably additional harm, highlighting the significance {of professional} session.

In conclusion, consulting a mechanic bridges the hole between observing transmission fluid colour and implementing efficient options. Whereas colour offers a precious preliminary indicator, it doesn’t substitute the necessity for skilled prognosis and restore. A mechanic’s experience ensures correct evaluation, acceptable repairs, and preventative measures, finally preserving the transmission’s operate and stopping expensive failures. Understanding this connection empowers car homeowners to make knowledgeable choices, balancing preliminary visible assessments with the experience of certified professionals to make sure the long-term well being and reliability of their automobiles.

Regularly Requested Questions on Transmission Fluid Shade

This part addresses widespread inquiries concerning transmission fluid colour, offering clear and concise solutions to facilitate understanding and promote proactive car upkeep.

Query 1: What’s the regular colour of transmission fluid?

New, wholesome computerized transmission fluid usually reveals a brilliant, translucent pink colour. This coloration is usually because of added dyes.

Query 2: Why does transmission fluid change colour?

Shade adjustments happen because of a number of elements, together with oxidation, warmth breakdown, and the buildup of wear and tear particles like clutch materials and steel shavings. These elements contribute to a darkening of the fluid, starting from gentle brown to a darkish, nearly black hue.

Query 3: Does brown transmission fluid all the time imply the transmission is failing?

Not essentially. Whereas brown fluid signifies some stage of degradation, it does not all the time signify imminent failure. It suggests the fluid is growing older and will require altering quickly. Nonetheless, additional investigation is beneficial to find out the underlying reason behind the discoloration.

Query 4: What does burnt-smelling transmission fluid point out?

A burnt odor, usually accompanied by a darkish brown or black colour, signifies extreme overheating. This will outcome from varied points, together with low fluid ranges, heavy hundreds, or inner transmission issues. Instant inspection by a professional mechanic is beneficial.

Query 5: How usually ought to transmission fluid be checked?

Checking the fluid month-to-month, or as a part of scheduled upkeep, is mostly beneficial. Seek the advice of the car’s proprietor’s guide for particular suggestions.

Query 6: Can I add any sort of transmission fluid to my car?

No. Utilizing the wrong sort of transmission fluid can severely harm the transmission. Seek the advice of the proprietor’s guide or a professional mechanic to find out the proper fluid sort to your car.

Understanding the importance of transmission fluid colour permits for proactive upkeep and knowledgeable decision-making concerning potential repairs. Common checks and well timed skilled session are important for sustaining transmission well being and longevity.

The following part will delve into the precise kinds of transmission fluid obtainable and their respective traits.

Transmission Fluid Shade

Sustaining correct transmission operate requires vigilance and understanding of key indicators, together with fluid colour. The following tips present sensible steering for assessing transmission well being and stopping expensive repairs.

Tip 1: Common Monitoring is Key
Often examine transmission fluid colour. Set up a routine, resembling month-to-month checks, to determine adjustments early. This enables for well timed intervention and prevents minor points from escalating.

Tip 2: Know the Ultimate Shade
Familiarize your self with the looks of wholesome transmission fluid: a brilliant, translucent pink. This data offers a baseline for comparability and aids in recognizing deviations.

Tip 3: Perceive Shade Modifications
Acknowledge that colour shifts, particularly in direction of brown or black, point out fluid degradation. These adjustments usually sign the presence of wear and tear particles, overheating, or oxidation.

Tip 4: Do not Ignore the Odor
A burnt odor accompanying darkish fluid signifies extreme overheating, requiring speedy consideration. This usually signifies important inner harm and necessitates skilled prognosis.

Tip 5: Examine the Degree
Whereas colour signifies fluid situation, additionally make sure the fluid stage is inside the beneficial vary. Low ranges can result in overheating and harm, whereas overfilling may cause aeration and different issues. Check with the proprietor’s guide for correct checking procedures.

Tip 6: Seek the advice of a Skilled
Whereas visible inspection offers precious info, seek the advice of a professional mechanic for any issues about fluid colour or transmission efficiency. Skilled prognosis ensures correct evaluation and acceptable repairs.

Tip 7: Doc and Observe
Keep data of fluid checks, together with date, colour observations, and any related signs. This documentation aids in monitoring adjustments over time and offers precious info for mechanics.

By understanding and implementing the following tips, car homeowners can preserve optimum transmission well being, stopping expensive repairs and increasing the lifespan of this essential element. Proactive upkeep, guided by knowledgeable commentary, contributes considerably to car reliability and efficiency.

The next conclusion summarizes the important thing takeaways concerning transmission fluid colour and its significance in car upkeep.

Conclusion

Transmission fluid colour serves as a readily accessible and essential indicator of transmission well being. Shiny, translucent pink signifies wholesome fluid, whereas progressive darkening in direction of brown or black signifies degradation because of elements like warmth, oxidation, and put on particle accumulation. Burnt fluid, acknowledged by its darkish colour and acrid odor, indicators extreme overheating and necessitates speedy consideration. Often checking fluid colour, coupled with consciousness of related signs like uncommon odors or shifting issues, permits for early detection of potential points. Skilled session offers correct prognosis and acceptable corrective motion, starting from fluid adjustments to extra intensive repairs.

Sustaining optimum transmission operate requires proactive monitoring and knowledgeable decision-making. Understanding the importance of fluid colour empowers car homeowners to handle potential issues early, minimizing the chance of expensive repairs and maximizing transmission lifespan. Neglecting this available visible cue can have important penalties, probably resulting in transmission failure and substantial expense. Constant consideration to fluid colour, coupled with skilled steering, contributes considerably to car reliability and longevity.