Understanding the specific color and aroma of transmission fluid is vital in differentiating it from other fluids in the event of a leak. So, what is the smell of the transmission fluid like?
We can find transmission fluid in the chambers within the transmission system, where it cools and lubricates various parts. The traditional transmission fluid is made of crude oil, while synthetic fluid is manufactured through chemical reactions. Depending on your transmission, you may need automatic or manual transmission fluid.
Fresh transmission fluid has a distinct color and smells that it has to maintain throughout its life. Let’s dive in for details!
Transmission Fluid
What Is Transmission Fluid?
Your car has many fluids moving around its various components. One of them is the transmission fluid. Its purpose in the transmission system is to cool, lubricate, and clean gears and other components.
New transmission fluid is usually clear or pinkish in color and smells sweet, tart, or odorless. Over time, your transmission fluid will change color and smell, indicating that it has been performing its function as intended and is due for replacement. It may look red-brown or dark brown with a burnt smell. That means it has broken down and should be flushed or changed, as appropriate.
Read more: Dirty Transmission Fluid: Signs And Causes
What is transmission fluid made of?
Transmission fluids are of two types: traditional transmission fluid and synthetic transmission fluid. The former is made of crude oil through reshaping hydrocarbons to match the needs of different vehicle models. The latter, on the other hand, is made through chemical reactions. It is more immune to oxidation and breakdown at high temperatures.
Synthetic transmission fluid lasts longer and makes your transmission run smoother than the traditional one. However, you still have to regularly check your transmission fluid if it is still in good condition or not.
Read more: Low transmission fluid: Symptoms, causes, and repair guide
Why Does A Transmission Need Transmission Fluid?
A transmission system converts the power produced by your car’s engine into torque for spinning the wheels. It also allows for gear change or shifting so that the engine always runs at its maximum efficiency. These actions generate heat and cause wear and tear due to friction. Transmission fluid plays the role of keeping the transmission system within the operation temperature and reducing friction between moving parts.
Transmission fluid in automatic transmission systems does more than just cooling and lubrication. It provides the hydraulic pressure needed for gear shifting and power transmission in the torque converter. Without the appropriate fluid, the various components will begin to fail, leading to the overall failure of the transmission system.
Without transmission fluid, your transmission system cannot last to see the next daylight. It will quickly overheat and break down completely. You, therefore, have to maintain it using the appropriate transmission fluid.
Read more: How often to change transmission fluid
How Many Types Of Transmission Fluid?
Transmission fluids are classified into two depending on the application. We have an automatic transmission fluid and a manual transmission fluid. As their names suggest, the former is used in automatic transmissions, while the latter is used in manual transmissions. However, some manual transmission makers recommend automatic transmission fluid for their transmission systems. Ensure you read your car manual for the appropriate type to use if you need to change the transmission fluid.
Transmission Fluid And Its Smell
| Smell | Condition | Its Effect On Transmission | Solutions |
|---|---|---|---|
| No odor | Okay | Functions normally | You don’t need to do anything |
| Lightly burnt odor | Lightly damaged | May fail to cool or lubricate the transmission | Change fluid as soon as possible. |
| Distinctly burnt odor | Damaged | Fails to lubricate or cool transmission | Transmission flush and fluid change |
| Vanished odor | Damaged | Fails to lubricate or cool transmission | Transmission flush and fluid change |
| Severely burnt odor | Damaged | Fails to lubricate or cool transmission | Transmission flush and fluid change |
One can recognize the broken down transmission fluid by a smell or color change. A fresh one usually smells sweet, tart, or odorless. But that depends on the manufacturer. Any burnt smell from your car is likely a sign of overheated or low transmission fluid in the transmission system and should always be a concern. Transmission fluid smells burnt if subjected to high temperatures for a long time. At that point, it should be replaced.
FAQs?
1. Does transmission fluid smell like gas?
No. Transmission fluid is often odorless or slightly smells sweet or tart. If you feel that your transmission fluid has a gasoline smell, it only indicates a possible leakage. Your fuel is injected into the transmission, which can compromise the functionality of the transmission fluid. Contact a mechanic as soon as you possibly can.
2. What does a leaking transmission fluid smell like?
Leaking transmission fluid is better identified by its unique color. It will leave dark spots on your garage or driveway that smell oily. If the leaking transmission fluid is broken down, it will have a browner color and smells burnt. In other words, the smell and color depend on the condition of the leaking transmission fluid.
