Fluid Leaks
If you’re not sure whether you are losing oil, transmission fluid, coolant or brake fluid, here is
a simple, but effective method for finding who or what caused it!
Place an old sheet or large piece of white cardboard under the vehicle overnight. In the
morning you will have your answer. Each fluid is a different color to help you diagnose the
answers.
If the leaks have the following color, you have a good indication of what fluid you are leaking.
| Bright Green /
Orange : |
radiator coolant, this is also very slippery to the touch. |
| Light or Dark
Brown : |
if you change the oil often it will be a light brown, if not the
fluid will be a darker brown. Make sure to change your
engine oil every 3-5k miles. |
| Bright Blue : | windshield washer fluid. (Winter washer fluids can be
orange, pink or yellow). |
| Light Brown : | if there is also a strong odor of rotten eggs, this is 90 weight
or gear lube. It may be leaking from the rear axle center
section or the manual transmission. |
| Red Fluid : | Automatic transmission fluid or power steering fluid. Note
where the fluid is coming from – it could be long life coolant |
| Clear : | Power steering fluid or water from the condenser on the
A/C unit.
|
| Light Yellow : | Brake fluid is light yellow when new as it absorbs water the
fluid becomes a dark muddy brown. Brake fluid absorbs 2%
water over a one year period under normal braking
conditions. This is a very important fluid and should be
changed every other year. |
| Amber : | Gasoline, but there will be a distinct odor. |