Is there any kind of puddle, stain, or moisture on the floor of your garage? Be alert, as it could be an indication of fluid leaks in your vehicle. This liquid is a sign that your car needs attention and renovation. Though you are not a mechanic, a few tricks can help you in comprehending what’s leaking, based on fluid colour. You can discover the problem just by looking at these colours.
Fluid colors and their causes
1. Amber, Brown or Black: Engine Oil
Engine oil colours differ from time to time. Fresh engine oil is amber in colour but it turns brown if it hasn’t been changed for 10,000 miles. It also switches back to black if the distance is more than 10,000 miles. Other than that, it leaves slickness on your fingers that are hard to wipe off.
Engine oil is very sticky in nature and comes out in large puddles. If you notice anything like this, make sure your car gets checked by a mechanic.
2. Red or Reddish: Power Steering Fluid
Usually, power steering fluid is reddish but sometimes it also looks like red. In some cars, it’s the same fluid that goes into the transmission. To identify it, please examine the fluid level in the power steering reservoir.
3. Clear, Yellow, Light Brown, or Brown: Brake Fluid
Brake fluid has a similar nature as engine oil. It keeps changing its colour. New brake fluid is clear then it switches to yellow, light brown and brown with time. The more it ages, the more it gets dark. It’s very slick and this leak could be dangerous for your vehicle. So please treat this leak as soon as you see it. Get your car checked immediately because this fluid is essential for stopping your car. Do not treat it lightly, otherwise the damage may become irrecoverable.
4. Bright to Dark Red (Sometimes Orange): Transmission Fluid
Transmission fluid generally has a bright red colour but it turns bright to dark with time. This fluid is used for power-steering. Other types of transmission fluids come in colours like orange dark red or maroon. Its consistency is similar to engine oil. So, if you notice any sticky and thick stain or puddle then pay immediate attention and take it to the service centre.
5. Green, Yellow, or Pink: Engine Coolant
Engine coolant has various colours like green, yellow, or pink. So if you see any leakage of these colours then kindly check your coolant overflow tank to see what’s in your radiator. Engine Coolant is buoyant as water and has a sweet smell. So you can easily identify it just by looking at it.
There are other fluid leakages too like windshield washer fluid, which appears blue in colour or water. You must recognize these leakages and get them treated as soon as possible. If not, you may just get stranded in a remote part of the city at night, not knowing what to do.