Transmission fluid is normally dyed red or pink for identification purposes, meaning you usually can't tell much about its condition just by looking at it. Transmission fluid that appears very dark red can still be in great condition, while old fluid may still look light and clear. In general, time and mileage are the best indicators of when you should have your transmission fluid changed. However, according to the transmission professionals at Mr. Transmission in Cincinnati, blackened and burnt transmission fluid always indicates a serious problem and should be checked out immediately.

Some types of transmission fluid darken as they age, but black transmission fluid is caused by abnormal conditions inside your transmission. As a symptom of a larger problem, black fluid can't be fixed with simple transmission fluid maintenance. The color and odor indicates that other serious problems inside the machine are causing the transmission to run too hot, which certainly causes damage wear on other vital components. Without service from an expert transmission maintenance technician, black fluid usually indicates an impending failure.

Mr. Transmission has the experience and specialized equipment they need to diagnose and fix transmission problems on a wide variety of vehicles, both foreign and domestic. They're the only AAA-approved transmission shop in Cincinnati, and offer a nationwide warranty on all their transmission work.

If your transmission fluid is black or your car isn't shifting right, visit Mr. Transmission online, call (513) 769-3111 to set up an appointment, or just bring your car by the shop today!