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Both of those symptoms point to possible damage of your transmission's internal components. Dark fluid with a burnt smell is bad news in the worst case, you might find fine metal shavings in the fluid as well. If the fluid is dark brown or black, then it's quite possible that you will be replacing more than just your fluid. If your fluid is healthy, it should have a reddish-pink color if it's getting to the point of needing replacement, it will be brownish red. The condition of your transmission fluid-and to some extent, the transmission itself-is indicated by the color of the fluid. Now lay the dipstick on a white surface, such as a paper towel, to analyze the color of the fluid. The color of transmission fluid can tell you a lot about the health of your car's transmission.
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You'll need to look at the level and condition of your transmission fluid. You don't need to be a mechanic to gain insight into the condition of your vehicle's transmission-a simple visual check will do.
DOES VALVOLINE CHECK TRANSMISSION FLUID MANUAL
If you're unsure which fluid is used in your transmission, consult your owner's manual typically, transmission-fluid requirements can be found in the specifications section. Conventional automatic transmissions, dual-clutch automatics, and continuously variable automatic transmissions each use a specific type of transmission fluid. Just as your engine uses oil to lubricate and cool its internals, automatic transmissions use specially designed transmission fluid for the same purpose. Thankfully, checking on your transmission's health is neither as difficult, as time consuming, nor as costly as you may think. Keeping your transmission humming smoothly can pay dividends, as it's one of the most expensive components on your car to repair or replace. But you should also keep tabs on your automatic transmission-you know, that thing with the gears that you shift into drive, reverse, and park multiple times a day. Most vehicle owners know that in order to keep their ride roadworthy, they need to stay up-to-date on routine maintenance, such as oil changes and tire replacement.
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