There are many different types of fluids in your vehicle, but the transmission fluid is one of the most important. However, people advise you to be careful when using transmission fluid because it is very flammable.
Is transmission fluid flammable? In the following article, we will have the answer for you. Let’s follow along.
What Is Transmission Fluid?
Transmission fluid is an engine fluid used in automatic transmissions and automatic transmissions of vehicles. To make it easy to distinguish from other car oils, the transmission fluid is usually red or green.
In a car, the transmission is an essential part. When starting the car, this part is responsible for converting rotational energy from the engine to the wheels for movement.
For this process to go smoothly, the transmission fluid will play a role in lubrication.
Besides, this liquid also has the effect of cleaning, protecting metal surfaces, improving cooling ability, and increasing rotational speed.
Of course, the experts also appreciate its reducing operating temperature, regulating gaskets, and creating friction on brake lines, converters…
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Why Is Transmission Fluid Needed?
As mentioned above, transmission fluid has many uses, so it plays a significant role. Any misalignment will cause severe wear and tear on your transmission.
This wear will accelerate dramatically if your transmission is low on oil.
Therefore, you must regularly check the oil level in the gearbox to avoid unnecessary problems.
Although transmission fluid can reduce the operating temperature and increase the temperature range, you should not frequently expose the transmission to excessive temperatures. Continuously excessively high temperatures can cause the liquid to decompose.
Is Transmission Fluid Flammable?
Before learning about the flammability of this liquid, you should know that transmission fluid exists in two forms.
Depending on the transmission system, the fluid is divided into automatic and manual transmission fluids.
Therefore, you should ask the shop for the correct fluid for your vehicle.
Back to the question: is the transmission fluid flammable?
Compared to other vehicle fluids such as brake fluid, transmission fluid has a relatively high flash point, between 302 degrees F and 383 degrees F.
Depending on the number of additives used In transmission fluid, different types will have various flashpoints.
Transmission fluid is described as flammable rather than combustible. When evaluating materials for an explosion hazard, they will be described as explosive if their flash point is less than 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Conversely, if their flash point is above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, they are said to be flammable and catch fire.
Thus, different to motor oil, transmission fluid is a rather flammable substance rather than a flammable substance.
Maybe you think 302 degrees F to 383 degrees F is a pretty high temperature so that that transmission fluid won’t catch fire easily? But, if the temperature exceeds 383 degrees F, it can cause a fire. Although this is rarely the first cause of a car fire, it will undoubtedly contribute to a more significant fire if a vehicle has caught on fire.
You should also be aware that if transmission fluid vaporizes or is sprayed, it may ignite automatically even below the flashpoint. Therefore, you must be extremely careful and careful when handling transmission fluid.
If you notice a leak in your vehicle’s transmission fluid, you must deal with it and repair it immediately as it is a potential fire hazard that can occur at any time. There are many possible reasons for a transmission fluid leak, but the most common cause is a loose or punctured plug.
How To Use Transmission Fluid Properly And Safely
Although transmission fluid requires a reasonably high temperature to ignite on its own. However, to prevent unnecessary risks, you should still be careful during use. Below, we’ll walk you through a few ways to handle this liquid as safely as possible.
If you purchase and store transmission fluid, you should store it in a clearly labeled package or box and keep it out of the reach of children and pets.
Besides, you should also keep it away from sources of the open fire as it can heat up and catch fire. You should also watch for transmission fluid and mist sprays as they can illuminate if the temperature is close to the flashpoint.
You probably already know how to dispose of gear oil. You can build on that process and do the same to dispose of used engine oil.
When using, you should put them in a container and put them in the right place where mineral oil is handled. You can also take them to an oil burner to burn.
It is a pretty good deal for the environment. Then you can thoroughly wash and reuse the container. Besides, you should also note the color of the transmission fluid to buy the right one for the next purchase.
In addition, while driving, you should also pay attention to the following phenomena because transmission fluid may have leaked.
Symptoms may be caused by transmission fluid leakage such as rattling sound, grinding gears, burning smell, accelerating, slow response of the vehicle, etc. If there is a leak, check the plug or bring it in for repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if my transmission fluid burns out?
If your transmission fluid is on fire, it means your vehicle’s transmission system is overheating. Then you will need a mechanic to check your car parts.
The mechanics will probably check the gearbox, transmission, gears, and repair for you.
But most likely, the problem is with your car’s fluid. Your vehicle’s transmission fluid is most likely exhausted or damaged, or of poor quality. If that’s the case, ask for advice from the mechanic and buy the transmission fluid that best suits your engine.
What causes transmission fluid to overheat?
Transmission fluid overheating is one of the most common problems you will encounter with your powertrain.
When the temperature is too high, your car will show signs of a burning smell and a more complex driving feeling.
There are many causes of this phenomenon, such as the transmission fluid is running low, the transmission fluid being dirty, or the solenoid unit is malfunctioning.
If you experience any of these problems, we recommend that you call in a mechanic to have your vehicle checked and repaired.
Conclusion
Transmission fluid is an essential fluid in your vehicle. However, it is also a flammable substance. Therefore, you should be careful in handling it to avoid fire and pay attention to its disposal to protect the environment.
