Auto Fluids

Should you recommend changing fluids based on the color or smell of the fluid?

• Yes, always

• No. Stick with the manufacturer's recommendations

• Only if the color is brown and the fluid smells burned

• Only if the fluid is red and smells sweet

Transmission fluid:

• Provides friction to make sure clutches engage

• Lubricates the moving parts of the transmission

• Conditions seals so the transmission doesn’t leak

• All of the above

80 percent of transmission fluid is

• Lubricating oil

• Detergents

• Dispersants

• Friction modifiers

Why is transmission fluid red?

• Viscosity modifiers turn the fluid red

• Oxidation preventers turn the fluid red

• To distinguish it from other fluids and prevent confusion for the user

• Red fluids are more slippery

A continuously variable transmission:

• Is the same as a step-gear transmission

• Can use the same fluid as any other automatic transmission

• Requires a transmission fluid specially formulated for CVT needs

• Needs transmission fluid exchanges much more frequently

Why does antifreeze come in many different colors?

• There is no reason. It’s just for marketing.

• The different colors represent different kinds of chemicals, made for specific engines

• The colors represent how long the coolant will last

• Red is for summer months, while green is for winter months

Antifreeze is 96 percent:

• Buffering material

• Corrosion inhibitor

• Friction modifier

• Ethylene glycol

Faulty power steering fluid can result in:

• Pump failure, creating a whining noise

• Loss of power steering, making the wheel hard to turn

• Difficulty shifting

• Both A and B

Brake fluid is made up of a chemical that:

• Is mostly just engine oil

• Is always blue

• Has a high boiling point

• Lubricates transmission parts

If brake fluid boils:

• Your vehicle could catch on fire

• You may be unable to apply your brakes

• It changes to a bright yellow color

• Braking power increases