It might seem strange to list automotive fluids by their color, but the color is the best way to determine what is leaking out of your car, utility vehicle, or truck. If you see spots or puddles of fluid on the garage floor, grabbed a white rag or paper towel and soak up some of the fluid. Check to see the color of the fluid and then use our handy guide below to identify it.
Blue
If the fluid is blue, it is most likely the washing solution for your windshield. The solution also helps to de-ice the windshield during the winter. This being said, you may also have blue coolant/antifreeze in the cooling system, so check the radiator for the coolant color when the engine is cold.
Brown
There are a handful of automotive fluids that are brown. As you already know, the motor oil is brown. You may not realize this but the differential oil is also brown. In most cases, your automobile’s brake fluid will be brown, as well. Dirty transmission fluid can also be brown.
Clear
Clear fluid is usually just water. Both the air conditioner and the tailpipe release condensation while your vehicle is running. This being said, it’s important to smell the clear fluid to make sure it does not smell like fuel. If it does, don’t drive your automobile. You have a fuel leak.
Green
Another color in which coolant/antifreeze comes is green. This is usually neon green. It’s hard to ignore this bright color if it is on your garage floor. Again, you can check the color of your coolant/antifreeze when the engine is cold by looking in the radiator or at the overflow reservoir.
Orange
The coolant can also turn orange if it is filled with rust. This happens if you have an extremely old radiator in the cooling system. In some cases, the coolant/antifreeze will be orange originally.
Red
Another color in which the coolant/antifreeze comes is red. The best way to determine if your automobile has a coolant leak is to check the level of fluid in the radiator and overflow reservoir. As an aside, transmission oil is also red as is power steering fluid.
Yellow
Finally, you may have neon yellow coolant/antifreeze in the cooling system. If your automobile is leaking the coolant/antifreeze, we recommend that you avoid driving the vehicle to prevent overheating the engine.
We can find your automotive fluid leak and fix it. Call us today for an appointment.