Your garage floor has reddish brown stains where you usually park your car. Understandably, the leak is cause for concern. Moreover, the transmission fluid leak color may indicate additional problems with your system. Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville is a repair shop nearby that can help you with your transmission problems.
Some Common Places Transmission Fluids Leak
Often, coolant or engine oil leaks are common problems for car owners. Of course, all fluid leaks need attention as soon as possible. Yet, many car owners may be unaware of the danger presented by a transmission leak. Leaks can develop in the transmission system from these failing or broken parts:
- Worn Seals/Gaskets
Generally, transmissions contain different types of seals. Some, like gaskets, join fixed parts. Others, like dynamic seals, connect to a moving component. Although all can fail, dynamic seals are subject to greater wear due to the friction they experience.
- Cracked Cooler Lines
Transmission fluid absorbs a tremendous amount of heat that the cooling lines transport to a specialized cooling chamber. Once cooled, the lines carry the fluid back to the transmission to absorb more heat. Typically, manufacturers make cooler lines from rubber or metal. Over time, rubber can harden and crack. While metal is susceptible to corrosion and damage by road debris.
- Damaged Transmission Pan
Generally, manufacturers locate the transmission pan on the undercarriage. With the pan in this position, it’s susceptible to damage from road debris. Additionally, this location exposes it to deicing chemicals that speed up corrosion.
- Failing Torque Converter
In automatic transmissions, manufacturers use a torque converter to disengage the transmission from the engine when stopping. Although designed to last the lifetime of the car, this part can fail and leak fluid. Typically, several factors contribute to early failure:
- Dirty transmission fluid
- Hauling heavy loads
- Malfunctioning cooling system
What The Transmission Fluid Leak Color Tells You About Your System
Automatic transmissions have hundreds of moving parts producing friction and heat. Transmission fluid lubricates these moving parts by forming a film between surfaces allowing them to slide past one another. In addition to reducing friction, the fluid also absorbs heat.
As this fluid ages, it loses its lubricating and heat-absorbing properties. Accordingly, paying attention to a transmission fluid leak color may help you avoid more expensive transmission repairs. Although manufacturers dye their products different colors, fresh, new automatic transmission fluid (ATF) is translucent.
However, exposure to air and heat creates chemical changes removing its ability to perform. As these chemical changes take place, the fluid begins to change to a brown color while becoming opaque. These alterations in appearance mean you should plan on changing it soon.
If you fail to change your fluid, the color will continue to change to a darker brown or black hue. Once the ATF turns this color, it can’t lubricate and your transmission is probably becoming damaged.
Finally, your automatic transmission fluid can have a milky or foamy appearance. When this occurs, you may have a coolant leak allowing the two fluids to mix.
Transmission Maintenance
Sometimes, you can’t always prevent damage to your transmission. For example, road debris can be difficult or impossible to avoid. However, when it does happen, you can have an expert look underneath your vehicle to check for broken parts.
Additionally, taking care of your transmission requires following these guidelines:
- Periodically checking your ATF level and quality
- Using the correct fluid for your vehicle
- Maintaining your engine cooling system
- Performing a transmission flush or changing your fluid according to your manufacturer’s recommendation
- Avoid towing heavy loads
FAQs About Automatic Transmission Leaks
Any transmission problems require immediate attention. If you’re experiencing problems and suspect a leak, bring your car in for servicing right away. Below, we answer a few commonly asked questions about automatic transmission leaks.
Can I Perform A DIY Repair For A Transmission Leak?
Sometimes, the leak fix is simple and easy to do. However, finding the place where fluid is leaking can be difficult, especially if you have a small, slow leak. Moreover, fixing the wrong part can waste time and money.
Finally, driving with a leak is risky. Low levels of automatic transmission fluid can allow parts to overheat causing severe damage.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix A Transmission Leak?
The answer to this question ranges from a few hundred to thousands of dollars and depends on the leak’s location. For example, replacing cooling lines or the pan gasket is a fairly inexpensive repair. While a cracked torque converter is a much more expensive repair.
At Xpress Lube, we believe in transparency in pricing. Thus, we’ll give you a quote before we begin any work on your vehicle.
Where Should I Bring My Car For Servicing?
When looking for a trusted auto repair shop, bring your vehicle to Xpress Lube! Our shop has been helping car owners maintain their vehicles for over 25 years by offering the following services:
- Transmission flush and repairs
- Brake repair and replacements
- Air conditioning recharge and repairs
- Tire repair and replacements
- Wheel alignments
- Fuel system cleaning and repairs
- Exhaust system repairs
- Cooling system flush and repairs
- Oil changes and filter replacements
- State safety and emissions inspections
- Car wash and detailing services
- And more!
Don’t wait and face expensive transmission repairs! When you aren’t sure what your transmission fluid leak color means, bring your car to Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville. Call us right now at 336-904-6319 to secure your time slot.
