Today, we’ll be looking at different questions that people may ask regarding transmission fluid.
While it may not be at the forefront of our minds all of the time, transmission fluid is vital for the successful operation of any truck you drive. So what makes this substance so important? Today, we’ll be looking at different questions that people may ask regarding transmission fluid.
What is Transmission Fluid?
Transmission fluid is a substance that’s designed to lubricate your transmission and keep it cool. This is true for trucks that have manual transmissions, as well as automatic ones. For trucks with automatic transmission, this fluid is also able to offer hydraulic pressure. This helps whenever you’re trying to change gears.
How Do You Get Transmission Fluid Tested?
When testing your fluid, you want to pay attention to its color. How your fluid looks will tell you a lot regarding its condition. Most modern vehicles don’t have transmission dipsticks, though. This means you’ll have to check your fluid by getting a drain plug opened. This is a job that you should leave to a professional technician.
What is the Color of Transmission Fluid?
Transmission fluid will be dyed red, and it’s translucent. This means you can use the color of this fluid to determine if there are any contaminants within it. The more the fluid deteriorates, the darker its color becomes. Once the fluid has become either brown or black, you’ll want to get it changed. You should also change your fluid if it ever has a burnt smell.
Is a Fluid Flush or Drain Better?
When getting fresh fluid, you have two options. One option is to do a fluid flush, which pumps in new fluid while pushing out whatever old fluid you have. The alternative is a fluid drain, which is when you drain the old fluid, and then refill with fresh fluid.
Ultimately, it comes down to what your repair professionals recommend. Certain transmissions, for example, shouldn’t be flushed, but draining doesn’t typically gather all of the old transmission fluid that you have. It’s best to get professional advice on this matter, and also follow your owner’s manual and manufacturer recommendations.
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