Although it may seem odd that automotive fluids are listed by their colors, it is the most accurate way to identify which fluid is leaking from your car, utility vehicle, and truck. Use a paper towel, a white rag, or a cloth to absorb any fluid that appears on the garage floor. Look for the color of the fluid, then refer to our handy guide below.
Blue
If the fluid’s color is blue, this is most likely your windshield washing solution. The solution helps de-ice windshields at wintertime. You might also have blue coolant/antifreeze within the cooling system. When the engine gets cold, make sure to check the radiator so you can see the color of your vehicle’s coolant/antifreeze.
Brown
There are only a few automotive fluids that can be described as brown. Motor oil is brown. While you may not realize it, the differential oil also brown. In most cases, the brake fluid in your car will be also brown. It is possible for transmission fluid to be brown if it is old and dirty.
Clear
Clear fluid is generally water. While your vehicle’s running, both the engine and the tailpipe create condensation. To make sure the fluid does not smell like fuel, it’s important that you smell it. If it smells like gasoline, stop driving your car. A fuel leak is possible, and fuel looks clear when you sop it up.
Green
Green is another color in which coolant/antifreeze may be available. This is usually neon. If this is found on your garage’s floor, it can be difficult to ignore the bright color. Look in the radiator or at the reservoir that holds the coolant overflow. This will allow you to determine the color of your coolant/antifreeze. Again, do this when the engine is cold.
Orange
If the coolant contains rust, it may also turn orange. The coolant can get rusty if the radiator is old and rusted on the inside. In some cases, the original color of your coolant may also be orange. In this case, the radiator is not rusty.
Red
Red is another color in which coolant/antifreeze may be found. It is best to check the fluid level in the radiator, overflow reservoir and engine compartment to determine if there are any coolant leaks. Transmission oil, along with power steering fluid, are both red.
Yellow
Also, your cooling system might be leaking neon-yellow coolant/antifreeze. To avoid overheating your engine, we recommend you stop driving your vehicle if coolant/antifreeze leaks from it.
Call us today to schedule an appointment for your automobile if you have a fluid leak.