You open up your garage and are ready to jump into your car to speed off to tackle your busy Sunday to-do list among other activities. As the light from outside hits the ground, you notice a gleam; it is colored fluid pooling underneath your car and slowly making its way toward your golf bag. Great.
Colors are fun and exciting, but when your vehicle begins to leak the rainbow, something is amiss. There are various reasons behind a fluid leak and thankfully the majority of the time the proof is in the color. Being able to independently identify where a leak is coming from and what the potential issue may be, can give you peace of mind and evidence which can help you come up with a plan of action. After diagnosing the problem, you may even be able to repair the leak yourself.
According to PepBoys, there are various fluid colors you may encounter and exactly what they mean:
Red/Pink: This could mean one of two things: fairly affordable or potentially very expensive. Red fluid leaking from a vehicle indicates there is something wrong with either the power steering system or the transmission.
Orange: The color orange can also mean a transmission leak but a rusty radiator/antifreeze mixture as well. If the substance is thick, it is most likely to be caused by a transmission fluid leak and if it is thinner, this could be caused by antifreeze mixing with rust.
Yellow: This colored leak relates to coolant. Don’t delay in getting this fixed because it could potentially cost you a pretty penny if left untreated.
Green: If any of your antifreeze components are old or you are not using the correct fluid for the type of vehicle you drive, you are more likely to get an antifreeze leak. If you see green, this is most likely the case.
Blue: Windshield wiper fluid is blue, so if you notice this color that is the culprit. Eventually the components get old, degrade, and leak. When you change your oil, always check or have a technician check the fluid as well as the components.
Clear: You’re all clear! Nothing to see here! Literally. Clear fluid is just condensation.
Brown: A darker brown can indicate a leak from the motor (older motor oil) or the brake system. If the oil is thinner and more slippery to the touch, the culprit is brake fluid. Neither of these should be taken lightly and should be inspected ASAP.
Light Brown: This color is also related to the motor but consists of newer oil. The leak could also be gear fluid and this typically has an unpleasant odor.
Now that you are more familiar with the various leak colors and the basics of what they indicate, you should be able to catch something simple before it turns into a costly headache.
If your vehicle ever requires more than a leak repair, contact Downtown Autobody- where they are trusted locally by friends and family and can help you with your paint or auto body repair needs in Rohnert Park, CA.
