Nothing can put a dent in your day’s plans like walking out to your vehicle and finding a big puddle of fluid underneath it. Okay, so your vehicle has a leak, now you’re asking yourself what is leaking? Is it going to be expensive to fix? Is your vehicle even safe to drive? Before you freak out, take a deep breath, because a fluid leak in your vehicle doesn’t always mean there is a huge problem. But how do you figure out what the issue is? Well, we’re glad you asked! Luckily, the fluids in your vehicles are different colors, which makes it easier to find the problem. Below, we have a color guide that will help you narrow down the problem. Once you’ve figured out the issue, give us a call, and if your vehicle is safe to drive, swing in for a service appointment! We will get your vehicle back into tip-top shape in no time! Light brown to black: If the fluid leaking from your vehicle is a brownish/black color, chances are its motor oil. This can leak from various spots of your vehicle, but if it is leaking from the center and the odor smells like rotten eggs, the culprit could be a lube oil leak. This won’t stop your vehicle dead, but it means that there is an ongoing issue and you should bring your vehicle in for a professional examination Light yellow to dark brown: Brake fluid stars out as a clear/yellow color and as it ages it becomes dark brown, similar to motor oil. An easy way to distinguish is simple, just feel the fluid. If the fluid feels slippery, it’s likely brake fluid. If this is the case, your vehicle is not safe to drive and you’re going to want to bring it in for repair as soon as possible. Red(ish): If the fluid leaking from your vehicle is a red or reddish color, it’s generally power steering fluid. Power steering fluid will leak from under the front part of your car and is thin in texture. If this is the case, there is an issue with the power steering pump. Orange: If the leak is from the center of your vehicle and the fluid is an orange/reddish-brown color, it could be transmission fluid. However, rust from your radiator mixing with an antifreeze leak can appear orange-ish as well. However, the antifreeze will be thin and can leak from anywhere, which could help you determine the difference. Yellow, Green, or Pink: These leaks will be the easiest to spot, and typically the simplest to diagnose. More times than not, the cause of such bright puddles is a simple coolant leak. In these cases, your vehicle’s age comes into play. Older vehicles tend to blow off a bit of coolant when the engine gets too hot, so a few little spots are nothing to worry about. If your vehicle is newer, this coolant shouldn’t be dripping any excess liquids so it might be a good idea to bring it in for a look. Clear: If the fluid leaking from your vehicle looks like water, it probably is water. The air conditioning can build up excess condensation and result in puddles of water underneath your vehicle. This occurs in properly running cars, only be worried if it becomes constant and a lot.
