Can Transmission Fluids of Different Colors Be Used?
3 Answers
Transmission fluids of different colors cannot be used. Below is relevant information about transmission fluid: 1. Function: It enables smoother gear shifting, cleans and lubricates the gear system, extends the lifespan of the transmission components, ensures proper transmission operation, and can also reduce fuel consumption to some extent. New transmission fluid contains fewer metal impurities, reducing transmission wear and thereby extending the overall service life of the transmission while preventing minor issues. 2. Classification: The main types currently in use include DEXRON, DEXRON-II, DEXRON-III oils (produced by General Motors), and ATF-F type oil (produced by Ford).
As a veteran driver with over a decade of experience, I've seen countless transmission failure cases. Never mix transmission fluids of different colors - it's like randomly adding seasonings while cooking. Different colored fluids have vastly different additive formulations, and mixing them can trigger chemical reactions. At best, it accelerates fluid degradation and wear; at worst, it directly clogs hydraulic valve bodies. My neighbor once mixed red and green fluids to save money, and his car started jerking like riding a horse - the transmission repair cost over 8,000 yuan. Remember to completely drain old fluid before refilling, and always use the exact color and specification recommended in your manual. After all, replacing a transmission costs dozens of times more than changing fluid.
As a car owner who frequents repair shops, I've mastered the intricacies of transmission maintenance. Differences in fluid color often indicate variations in base oil composition and additive systems—for instance, red typically denotes DEXRON standards while green is specific to Japanese models. Mixing fluids may cause sediment precipitation and reduce oil film strength by over 20%. I recall an instance during maintenance when the technician brought a slightly lighter-colored fluid, which I immediately rejected. He claimed it was just batch-to-batch dye variation, but I insisted on switching back to the factory color code—with such precision components in transmissions, saving a hundred bucks on fluid isn't worth the risk. Always test new and old fluid compatibility with blotting paper before changing—never skip this crucial step.
