Willoughby Hills Auto Repair is your one-stop auto shop in Willoughby Hills, Ohio for all of your automotive service and repair needs. One of the extra things we like to do is educate people through this blog. In this post, are going to list, by color, the different automotive fluids found in your automobile. This will help you identify what is leaking if you end up with a fluid leak.
Blue
There are two fluids that come in the color blue. The most common one is windshield wash. The uncommon one is engine coolant. If your automobile is leaking blue fluid, it is most likely the cleaning solution for the windshield.
Brown
Brown is a common color for automotive fluids. Two oils, the motor and differential oil are brown. Brake fluid is brown. Old transmission fluid is brown. We caution against driving your automobile if it is leaking brown fluid because low levels of any of these fluids can damage it.
Clear
Clear fluid is either fuel or water. Naturally, you will be able to tell the difference between the two by the fluid’s odor. Anything that smells like fuel is fuel. If there is no odor to the clear liquid, probably condensation dripping from your air conditioner or out of the tailpipe.
Green
Green or blue-green fluid is coolant/antifreeze. We definitely do not recommend that you drive your automobile if it is leaking coolant/antifreeze. Doing so can damage the engine severely, including cracking the head gasket or engine block.
Orange
If the fluid looks orange, it might be transmission oil that has started to age. Transmission fluid turns light brown or orange before it turns dark brown. The fluid may also be engine coolant that is leaking out of a corroded radiator. What makes the fluid look orange is rust.
Pink
Milky, pink fluid is a combination of transmission fluid and coolant/antifreeze. You don’t need us to tell you that this is a sign of serious transmission and cooling system problems. Definitely do not drive your automobile if it is leaking pink, milky fluid.
Red
Red is another popular automotive fluid color. Both power steering and transmission fluid are red, some brands of brake fluid are red, and some types of engine coolant are red. It’s better to call for a tow truck than to drive your automobile if it’s leaking red fluid.
Yellow
Finally, coolant/antifreeze can be yellow to neon green.
Willoughby Hills Auto Repair in Willoughby Hills, OH, is here to help if your automobile springs a leak. Call us today for an appointment.