Can you tell if fluids need to be changed by the way they look?

[mn_smokeater]

With A/T fluid you can tell by smell too.

 

[bluebombersfan]

uuuhmn Dont use DOT 5 for any normal brake system. It isnt compatible with DOT 3-4 systems. The only vehicle Ive seen that specs DOT 5 are the mail trucks. You aren't going hurt anything by checking the levels of all the things you can check. You really can't over check anything. If the Mercon is pink it is OK. By checking all the driveline, I discovered that the front diff and the transfer case leak a little.. So does the steering box.
The diffs are supposed to smell bad, but it should be clear ish. All brake fluid is hydroscopic. That is why wheel cylinders pit. That is why the spec is for dryboiling pont

By talking about the mercon are you talking about the transmission fluid? So if my manual transmission fluid is pink I don't have to change it? Or like the others mentioned if I bought it with a 100k just change it regardless?

 

[Andy D]

By talking about the mercon are you talking about the transmission fluid? So if my manual transmission fluid is pink I don't have to change it? Or like the others mentioned if I bought it with a 100k just change it regardless?

Just change it to know what is going on. I change fluids when I buy a new to me car. Uhhm that is not entirely true. Ford doesnt believe in pumpkin drains. On those , I took a sample and topped them off.