An Affordable Solution for Your Volkswagen’s Burnt Transmission Fluid in Allentown
by schearerswpadmin January 9, 2021Cars are made up of main components, electrical systems, and machinery, but these parts and systems are helped by even smaller elements like fluids and lubricants.
Often overlooked, these fluids ensure that your car is drivable and safe. One of the main ones in your car is transmission fluid. The transmission helps your car run but the fluid helps the transmission run.
Transmission fluid has a few jobs. It keeps the bearings and metal parts in a car’s manual gearbox lubricated and prevents these gears from grinding down and together as they move. Transmission fluid allows cars to shift gears easily and helps prevent wear and tear on its parts. Finally, it helps keep the transmission cool so it doesn’t overheat.
Transmission fluid is a universal element to cars. Whether your car is manual or automatic, it has transmission fluid. There may be different types of transmission fluid, but all cars, including your Volkswagen, have it so they can run properly.
It may seem like a small detail, but it makes a huge difference with your Volkswagen’s performance and transmission’s lifespan. Of course, as with other parts of a car, the transmission fluid needs maintenance and may burn out over time. Here is what causes burnt transmission fluid and some signs to look out for.
What causes burnt transmission fluid?
Your car’s transmission fluid becomes burnt over a long period of time. This comes naturally from you driving your Volkswagen. Some things that might cause your transmission fluid to burn faster is by not properly maintaining it by not having a transmission flush performed regularly or continued driving with a transmission fluid leak that causes the car to have inadequate levels of transmission fluid in it.
The most important thing to know is that you cannot have burnt transmission fluid and still have a proper functioning car. You do not want to be driving around with burnt transmission fluid.
Changes in Transmission Fluid Color
The color of your transmission fluid is a huge indicator for the health of the fluid. Knowing what different colors mean can help you diagnose issues before they harm your Volkswagen. When you first put transmission fluid in your car, it should be bright red in color. This means that the transmission fluid is fresh and ready to work.
Over time and use, the color will change to a pink or an orange. This means the fluid is still working, but it may need to be changed soon. If the transmission fluid is a dark brown or black in color, the transmission fluid is burnt and you will need to see a highly-trained mechanic to change it as soon as possible.
Burning Smell Coming From Your Car
Overheated or low transmission fluid can cause a burning smell to come from your car. You will smell this on the interior of your Volkswagen. Healthy transmission fluid will smell sweet or tart, but when it smells like it’s burning, the transmission fluid has broken down and the transmission is burning too hot which will lead to too much friction and hurt the engine and transmission.
If left untreated, the transmission could become so damaged that it will need to be replaced, but this can be easily remedied with a visit to the mechanic.
How To Avoid Burnt Transmission Fluid
Avoiding burnt transmission fluid all together can save you a lot of time and money. Luckily, there are a few easy ways to keep your transmission fluid healthy and your Volkswagen running smoothly. Make sure that you have your transmission fluid flushed regularly. It doesn’t need to be flushed every time you get your oil changed, but you should take a look at your owner’s manual or consult with your mechanic to see how often it should be done.
Another way to avoid burnt transmission fluid is keeping an eye out for common signs that your transmission fluid needs to be looked at. Burning smells or leaking transmission fluid are signs that you need to take your car in to be looked at.
If you notice these things or just want to be a responsible car owner who is watching out for your VW, we are here to help. Schearer’s Sales and Service, Inc. proudly services Volkswagens in Allentown, Bethlehem, and Macungie, PA.
Bring your Volkswagen in today, and our certified technicians will diagnose and prepare options that allow you to get back on the road as soon as possible, driving your VW with confidence.
* Volkswagen Car image credit goes to: bruev.