If your transmission is leaking, there are no two ways around it – you’re due for a transmission repair. But don’t worry, it may not be major. There are several car problems that could cause a transmission leak, plus several ways to help prevent another leak in the future. Taking care of your transmission is key to your car’s longevity, along with taking care of your engine. Both are complex systems that are essential to keep your car working. Let’s look at what your transmission fluid should look like, what leaking black transmission fluid may signal, and how to help prevent transmission leaks.
First of All, What Should Your Transmission Fluid Look Like?
There’s no hard and fast answer for what your transmission fluid should look like. Different types of transmission fluid will look slightly
different in coloring, so you can’t necessarily use that to judge whether you need new fluid. However, just like engine oil, your transmission fluid accumulates debris and particles over time with use, so if your transmission fluid is thick and you can tell there are extra particles in it, you’re likely due for a transmission fluid replacement service.
Leaking Black Transmission Fluid Can Signal A Few Transmission Repairs
In any case, black fluid is a sign of bad transmission fluid, just as it is for engine oil. Whichever underlying cause you may be dealing with, it’s best left to a technician to diagnose any necessary repairs. However, let’s look at a few common causes behind your transmission leaking black fluid.
Your Transmission is Overheating
Often, black fluid is a sign of overheating. This is the case with both transmission fluid and engine oil, and it shouldn’t be ignored. Pay attention to your engine temperature, too. If it’s inching upward or overheating, it’s likely your transmission is also running hotter than it should. When your transmission overheats, it burns the transmission fluid inside, turning it black and tarry. It’s important to have a trusted technician inspect your transmission when you suspect it may be overheating.
Your Transmission Fluid is Old and Should be Replaced
Every car needs transmission fluid replacement services at regular intervals. Over time, it accumulates dirt, debris, and other particles that will cause it to thicken and darken. The thicker your transmission fluid becomes, the more difficult it will be for it to circulate and keep moving parts lubricated as it’s supposed to. Check your owner’s manual for recommended time and milage intervals for regular maintenance and if you notice black fluid or fluid leaking from your transmission, make an appointment with your mechanic.
You Need New Transmission Seals
Alongside the above two possibilities, a likely second transmission repair you’ll need is new hoses or seals. When your transmission overheats or a transmission fluid replacement is overdue, it can cause extra wear on your transmission’s hoses and seals. This can cause them to get weak, break and start transmission fluid leaking. It can be tricky to find the source of a leak, so it’s important to have a technician you can trust to inspect your car’s transmission.
Help Prevent Your Transmission Leaking with Regular Maintenance
The best way to help prevent future transmission leaks is to keep up with your manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule. Regular transmission fluid replacements and transmission inspections will help keep all of the moving parts working well together. Your car’s transmission, alongside the engine, is one of the most important systems in your car to maintain. Not only is it important to keep your car running, but it’s also one of the most expensive to repair if something major happens.
Alongside transmission maintenance, you should keep up with regular oil changes and cooling system maintenance. Your transmission and engine work closely together, so if one is having trouble, the other will likely run into issues as well. The cooling system is associated with maintaining engine temperature, but because the systems work so closely together, if your engine is overheating, your transmission likely is, too. You’re one step closer to avoiding surprise transmission leaks by keeping up with the maintenance of all three systems.
Transmission Leaking? Come to the Transmission Experts at AAMCO
There’s no better place to come for transmission maintenance and repairs than your local AAMCO. Our mechanics are transmission experts with the training and experience to keep your transmission in tip-top shape. If you’re noticing black fluid leaking from your transmission, it could be a sign of a more serious repair that should be addressed by a trusted mechanic. Easily schedule your appointment online today and we’ll ensure your transmission continues to run well.