What Causes Transmission Fluid to Turn Black?
2 Answers
The reason transmission fluid turns black is that during the use of the transmission, friction generates a significant amount of impurities, some of which are fine and float in the transmission fluid, causing it to appear black. Benefits of regular automatic transmission fluid replacement: It ensures smooth and seamless gear shifting, improves control performance, provides excellent oxidation resistance, reduces component rust, and offers superior protection for gear assemblies due to its high-quality extreme pressure additives. Harm of not replacing automatic transmission fluid regularly: Chemical changes in the automatic transmission fluid produce impurities that can clog oil passages, affecting gear-shifting functionality. Prolonged high-temperature operation reduces the lubricating properties of the fluid, increasing wear on clutch plates and leading to "stall" phenomena. Over time, the antioxidant effectiveness of the transmission fluid deteriorates, making components more susceptible to corrosion.
I've been driving for decades and have encountered the issue of transmission oil turning black several times. The main reason is oil oxidation and deterioration under prolonged high-temperature conditions, much like cooking oil darkens when overheated. Additionally, wear and tear of metal components inside the transmission generates fine metal particles that mix with the oil, causing it to darken. Experienced drivers I know regularly check the oil color and replace it promptly when it darkens. Overloading or frequent rapid acceleration can cause transmission temperatures to soar, accelerating oil degradation. It's best to follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance intervals for oil changes, such as every 40,000 to 60,000 kilometers for automatic transmissions.