Many drivers don’t pay much attention to their transmission fluid even though it’s critical to the welfare of a vehicle. The team at Quality Transmission Service in Anchorage, AK, says maintaining the correct level and quality of this liquid is essential to keeping your car in excellent working order. Their transmission service experts offer insight to help you understand the fluid's vital role.

3 Transmission Fluid Facts

1. It Prevents Damage to Moving Parts

While there are several types of transmission fluid, all serve the same purpose: lubricating the many moving parts of a vehicle’s transmission. The liquid also cleans and protects metal components and acts as a coolant to improve your car’s function. The fluid you use depends on your automobile’s transmission system.

2. Color Changes Usually Aren’t a Problem

While variations in the transmission fluid’s color might seem like a problem, they typically are only a sign of age. New fluid usually is red but takes on a darker or brownish hue over time. If your vehicle’s fluid hasn’t been replaced in over 100,000 miles, it could be an unusually dark shade of red, but this typically doesn’t indicate you need transmission repairs.

3. Burning Smells & Diluted Fluid Indicate You Need Service

Transmission fluid color is cause for concern if it’s almost black and accompanied by a burning odor. This often is a symptom of a severe problem with the transmission system. Another cause for concern is light pink transmission fluid —it usually indicates the presence of water, which can cause system failure without immediate automotive repair.

For superior auto care that will keep your vehicle in top shape, turn to the team at Quality Transmission Service. Visit this Anchorage auto shop online or call (907) 561-8767 to learn more about their transmission services and other offerings, including clutch replacement. Like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter for car repair tips and news from the business.