When you consider how many fluids there are in your car, truck, or SUV, it might seem overwhelming to figure out which one is leaking from your automobile. This is why dye is added to automotive fluids. The color of the fluid helps you (and us) identify the fluid and then search for the leak. For example, transmission fluid generally leaks from the pan gasket. If you have fluid leaking from your automobile, bring it into Auto Solutions so we can fix the problem. Here’s a color guide to help you identify the fluid.
Amber, Light Brown, Dark Brown, or Black
If your vehicle is leaking any of the above colors, it is likely motor oil or differential oil. Generally, oil leaks come from gaskets, the oil pan, seals, or valve covers. If the oil is amber or light brown, it’s fresh oil that is newer than dark brown or black motor oil, which is very old and dirty. If the oil smells, it could be differential – gearbox – oil. Oil leaks need to be fixed right away.
Red, Dark Red, Pink, or Brown
Transmission fluid is red when it’s new, dark red or brown when it’s starting to get old and/or dirty, and pink when you have a serious problem. Power steering fluid is also red, so the difference between the two fluids lies in where you see the fluid on your garage floor. If the fluid is leaking from the engine, it could be power steering fluid. Fluid leaking from the center of your vehicle is tranny fluid.
Yellow, Light Brown, Dark Brown, or Black
Brake fluid is any of these colors. New brake fluid is either yellow, amber, or light brown. As the brake fluid ages, it turns dark brown or black just as motor oil does. Sometimes, brake fluid is so light yellow it’s almost clear, so check any spots on your garage with your finger. If the fluid feels greasy, it’s probably brake fluid. Brake fluid is very slick and slippery.
Rainbow Colors
The coolant in your vehicle’s engine is one of many possible colors. Engine coolant can be blue, green, orange, pink, red, or even blue-green. The good news is you can easily see what color your vehicle’s engine coolant is by looking at it in the cooling system reservoir. The bad news is if the coolant in the reservoir isn’t orange but the fluid on your garage floor is, you might have a rusted radiator.
Finally, clear fluid is water and blue fluid could also be windshield washing fluid. Call Auto Solutions in Orlando, FL, to get your automotive fluids leak fixed.
