Learn What Color Transmission Fluid Is

Transmission fluid is an important fluid in your vehicle’s engine that ensures your transmission runs properly on your Durham commute. Sometimes though, if you find a red fluid leaking from your car you may find yourself asking “What color is transmission fluid?” Transmission fluid can change color based on its age or it’s properties. Learn more about what color transmission fluid can be and what to do if you see red fluid leaking from your car. Have a specific question? Contact us and we’ll be happy to help you!

Learn The Transmission Fluid Color Guide

The transmission fluid in your vehicle will darken in color with age and vehicle use, but the color will also change if contaminants get past the transmission filter. The Hendrick Chevrolet Southpoint service team has put together a basic guide to transmission fluid color below, you can use it when you check your transmission fluid to determine if you need a replacement or if there’s a larger problem:

  • Brand-new fluid: Dark red
  • Normal: Darker brick red
  • Service your vehicle soon: Deep blood red/rust red
  • Service your vehicle immediately: Burnt/almost black

What Is The Red Fluid Leaking From My Car?

If you have red fluid learning from your car as you drive in Raleigh, it’s most likely a transmission fluid leak. The red color makes it easy to identify, but there are other ways you can see if it’s transmission fluid too:

  • Odor: Transmission fluid will smell like petroleum. If it’s time for the fluid to be changed, it will smell burnt.
  • Consistency: Transmission fluid will look/feel oily like engine oil or brake fluid.
  • Location of the Leak: Transmission fluid tends to leak from the front of the car if it’s parked on a flat surface.

Stay Ahead of Transmission Problems

Keep these tips in mind in order to prevent future problems with your transmission:

  • Pick The Right Transmission Fluid: Make sure the right automatic transmission fluid and OEM parts are being used to keep your vehicle running properly on Cary roads.
  • Follow Your Owner’s Manual: Your owner’s manual will tell you which transmission fluid to use and what your vehicle’s recommended maintenance schedule is.
  • Stay Up To Date With Transmission Service: Keeping to your vehicle’s service schedule will allow you to catch small issues in your transmission before they become major problems.

Schedule Service At Hendrick Chevrolet Southpoint

If you have red fluid leaking from your car or if your transmission fluid color is too dark, schedule a service appointment with the service team at Hendrick Chevrolet Southpoint to have your transmission inspected and your fluid replaced. Learn the proper colors of your transmission fluid, brake fluid, and other fluids when you visit us. You can even save on your vehicle maintenance when you take advantage of our service specials. We’ll have you back on Chapel Hill roads in no time!

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Hendrick Vehicle Disclaimer:

$799.00 Dealer Administrative Fee included in advertised price. All prices exclude all taxes, tag, title, registration fees and government fees. Out of state buyers are responsible for all taxes and government fees and title/registration fees in the state where the vehicle will be registered.

All prices include all manufacturer to dealer incentives, which the dealer retains unless otherwise specifically provided. Dealer not responsible for errors and omissions; all offers subject to change without notice; please confirm listings with dealer.

All vehicles may not be physically located at this dealership but may be available for delivery through this location. Transportation charges may apply. Please contact the dealership for more specific information. All vehicles are subject to prior sale.
Additional Disclaimers:

Well-qualified customers who purchase a new, used, or certified pre-owned vehicle, 4 model years or newer with less than 60K miles between June 2, 2026 and July 31, 2026, and finance through a participating dealer and lender have the option to defer monthly payments for 90 days from contract date. Excludes Hendrick Performance vehicles. Finance charges begin to accrue on the date you sign the Retail Installment Sale Contract at the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) disclosed in the contract. May not be combined with other preferred lender financing offers. 75 months maximum term limit. Equal monthly payments only. Not available to Pennsylvania residents; see your dealer for details. Must take retail delivery by July 31, 2026. See dealer for complete down payment and interest rate options and details. Financing available to qualified buyers. Some exclusions apply. See dealer for complete details. 

*Offer includes all dealer discounts and OEM incentives. Offer does not include tax, tag, title, fees, and other dealer installed options. Discount varies by model and stock number. Example stock #T86001. See dealer for details. Take retail delivery by 7/7/26. **0% APR for 60 months. Monthly payment is $16.67 for every $1,000 you finance. Example down payment: 7.6%. Must finance with GM Financial. Some customers may not qualify. Not available with lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery by 7/7/26. ***Well-qualified customers who purchase a new, used, or certified pre-owned vehicle, 4 model years or newer with less than 60K miles between June 2, 2026 and July 31, 2026, and finance through a participating dealer and lender have the option to defer monthly payments for 90 days from contract date. Excludes Hendrick Performance vehicles. Finance charges begin to accrue on the date you sign the Retail Installment Sale Contract at the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) disclosed in the contract. May not be combined with other preferred lender financing offers. 75 months maximum term limit. Equal monthly payments only. Not available to Pennsylvania residents; see your dealer for details. Must take retail delivery by July 31, 2026. See dealer for complete down payment and interest rate options and details. Financing available to qualified buyers. Some exclusions apply. See dealer for complete details.

*Offer includes all dealer discounts and OEM incentives. Offer does not include tax, tag, title, fees, and other dealer installed options. Discount varies by model and stock number. Example stock #T72696. See dealer for details. Take retail delivery by 6/30/26. **Length of contract limited. Must finance through GM Financial. Some customers may not qualify. Not available with lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery by 6/30/26. ***Deferred monthly payments for 90 days. Excludes residents of PA. Must finance with GM Financial. Some customers may not qualify. Down payment required at signing, if applicable. Finance charges accrue from date of financing. Not available with lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery by 6/30/26.

*Offer includes all dealer discounts and OEM incentives. Offer does not include tax, tag, title, fees, and other dealer installed options. Discount varies by model and stock number. Example stock #T92350. See dealer for details. Take retail delivery by 6/30/26. **Monthly payment is $16.67 for every $1,000 you finance. Average example down payment is 10.3%. Must finance through GM Financial. Some customers may not qualify. Not available with lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery by 6/30/26. ***Deferred monthly payments for 130 days. Excludes residents of PA. Must finance with GM Financial. Some customers may not qualify. Down payment required at signing, if applicable. Finance charges accrue from date of financing. Not available with lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery by 6/30/26.

*Offer includes all dealer discounts and OEM incentives. Offer does not include tax, tag, title, fees, and other dealer installed options. Discount varies by model and stock number. Example stock #T86001. See dealer for details. Take retail delivery by 7/7/26. **0% APR for 60 months. Monthly payment is $16.67 for every $1,000 you finance. Example down payment: 7.6%. Must finance with GM Financial. Some customers may not qualify. Not available with lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery by 7/7/26. ***Well-qualified customers who purchase a new, used, or certified pre-owned vehicle, 4 model years or newer with less than 60K miles between June 2, 2026 and July 31, 2026, and finance through a participating dealer and lender have the option to defer monthly payments for 90 days from contract date. Excludes Hendrick Performance vehicles. Finance charges begin to accrue on the date you sign the Retail Installment Sale Contract at the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) disclosed in the contract. May not be combined with other preferred lender financing offers. 75 months maximum term limit. Equal monthly payments only. Not available to Pennsylvania residents; see your dealer for details. Must take retail delivery by July 31, 2026. See dealer for complete down payment and interest rate options and details. Financing available to qualified buyers. Some exclusions apply. See dealer for complete details.

*Offer includes all dealer discounts and OEM incentives. Offer does not include tax, tag, title, fees, and other dealer installed options. Discount varies by model and stock number. Example stock #T92350. See dealer for details. Take retail delivery by 6/30/26. **Monthly payment is $16.67 for every $1,000 you finance. Average example down payment is 10.3%. Must finance through GM Financial. Some customers may not qualify. Not available with lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery by 6/30/26. ***Deferred monthly payments for 130 days. Excludes residents of PA. Must finance with GM Financial. Some customers may not qualify. Down payment required at signing, if applicable. Finance charges accrue from date of financing. Not available with lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery by 6/30/26.

*Offer includes all dealer discounts and OEM incentives. Offer does not include tax, tag, title, fees, and other dealer installed options. Discount varies by model and stock number. Example stock #ZDS46006. See dealer for details. Take retail delivery by 6/30/26. **Monthly payment is $18.37 for every $1,000 you finance. Example down payment is 28.3%. Must finance through GM Financial. Some customers may not qualify. Not available with lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery by 6/30/26. ***Deferred monthly payments for 130 days. Excludes residents of PA. Must finance with GM Financial. Some customers may not qualify. Down payment required at signing, if applicable. Finance charges accrue from date of financing. Not available with lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery by 6/30/26.

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Hendrick Chevrolet Southpoint 35.89802, -78.94355.