What is that strange fluid leaking onto your garage floor and, more importantly, should you be worried? If your car has a leak, you should definitely find out what is causing the leak. There is one exception which we’ll discuss below, but automobile fluid leaks can cause expensive repairs if not repaired as soon as possible. Bring your vehicle into Integrity Auto Repair for an inspection if it’s leaking. Here’s a color guide to help you identify the fluid.
Blue
Blue fluid leaking from your vehicle is the windshield washing solution. This leak isn’t going to damage your engine, but you still might want to get it fixed. You never know when you’ll need to use your windshield washers and they won’t clean if the reservoir is empty.
Brown
Light brown fluid leaking from your automobile is either new brake fluid or motor oil. The dark brown fluid is old brake fluid or motor oil. This is a fix you don’t want to ignore. Brake fluid is crucial to the brake system’s operation and leaking motor oil can seriously damage your engine.
Clear
Here’s the one you don’t need to worry about. Clear fluid leaking out of your vehicle is condensation. That’s right! It’s just plain ole’ water. Condensation comes out of the AC unit and your tailpipe.
Green
If the fluid is green, it might be antifreeze. An antifreeze leak is a concern. Generally, the cause of the leak is worn radiator clamps, fittings, or hoses or a problem with the water pump. It could also be that your engine is overheating the antifreeze is being expelled from the overflow container.
Orange
Orange fluid could signal a bigger problem with your radiator. Sometimes, orange fluid leaks from a rusted radiator and the rust is what turns the fluid an orangey/coppery hue. In some cases, older transmission fluid is also orange.
Pink/Red
Pink or red fluid is usually one of two things: power steering fluid or transmission oil. This leak also deserves an inspection because low levels of both can affect how your vehicle handles and performs. Low transmission oil can also damage the transmission.
Yellow
Finally, some radiator fluid is yellow instead of green or orange, so if you see yellow fluid on your garage floor, pop the hood to see how low your overflow and radiator are. If they are super low, have your vehicle towed to an auto mechanic so it doesn’t overheat.
Integrity Auto Repair in Eugene, OR, would be happy to fix your vehicle’s leak. Call us for an appointment.
