Fluid leaking from a car could mean a variety of different things. Be sure to take notice of the color that is leaking from the car. After you diagnose the car leak by finding out what color the leaking fluid is, and what area the vehicle is leaking from, we can assist you in pinpoint the component that is leaking car fluid.

Red Fluid Leaking from Car

Any sort of Red fluid leaking from a car typically indicates one of Two things:

1. The leak is coming from your transmission (transmission fluid leak).
2. The leak is coming from your power steering system (power steering fluid).

Transmission fluid is generally reddish and thin or brown and thick depending on its age. Automatic transmissions are lubricated by transmission fluid, while manual transmissions are lubricated by gear oil. Any sort of transmission leak will generally be in the middle and or front of the vehicle. As transmission fluid ages, it can lose its nice pink/red color and appears orange. For the car’s transmission, this could be due to a faulty transmission seal (gasket).

What Color is Power Steering Fluid?

However, red fluid leaking from a car is most commonly traced back to the power steering system’s hoses. Power steering hoses can have all sorts of issues as they are constantly under high pressure, with pressure clamps usually attaching to either end. This constant pressure could potentially cause ruptures in the hoses (hole in power steering line) and as the power steering fluid is returning to the reservoir tank, it leaks out.

Pink Fluid Leaking from Car

Just as red fluid leaking from a car, pink fluid leaking from a car also indicates that the leak is most likely coming from the power steering system. As stated above, the constant pressure that power steering system hoses endure during normal usage could potentially rupture the hose; thus, pink fluid may leak out as a result.

Amber, reddish, or light brown and thin; very front of vehicle. Like brake fluid, power steering fluid is a hydraulic fluid that helps boost power to the steering system. Check your power steering fluid level when your car is not running. A leak in power steering fluid could decrease steering function and become a safety hazard. Get low or leaking power steering fluid checked right away.

Green Fluid Leaking from Car

Green fluid leaking from a car is an antifreeze leak (radiator coolant). Coolant leaks can also be yellow, green, or sometimes orange with a slimy consistency. These leaks will most often be found in the front of vehicle near radiator or under engine. Cars use coolant to keep the engine from overheating so if your running low on coolant you are at risk of an overheating engine. If rust develops in a vehicle’s radiator, it can cause leaking “condensation” or antifreeze to turn into an orange color. Orange fluid leaking from a car can usually be traced back to issues with a car’s transmission but in this case a rusting radiator can develop a orange fluid leak.

Yellow Fluid Leaking from Car

Yellow fluid leaking from a car will almost always be radiator coolant. Radiator leaks can typically occur due to the several reasons:

1. The hose pressure clamp is coming loose or breaking off.
2. The pressure hose ruptures (due to a hole in the hose),
3. There is damage to the O-Ring.

To prevent any excess problems, always be sure to use the proper specified fluid as mentioned in the owner’s manual. If you fail to do so, the risk of more future leaks can escalate.

Safety Tip: Never remove your coolant or radiator cap when the engine is hot, as contents are under pressure and can cause extensive burns.

Have your cooling system checked by a repair shop if you notice a leak or low fluid. Antifreeze generally leaks from a vehicle’s radiator, water pump, hoses, hose clamps, or fittings that have worn out over time. If the right antifreeze isn’t used as mentioned before, leaks are prone to happen.

Blue Fluid Leaking from Car

Blue fluid leaking from a car is washer fluid. As time goes on, and ware and tare instill on the windshield wiper system. The tubing (hoses) that transports the fluid to the wiper system will deteriorate. As these hoses age, they are more prone to leak the blue fluid you are seeing on the ground. We recommend having your windshield wiper components evaluated.

Clear Fluid Leaking from Car

Clear fluid leaking from a car is just water! A car leaking water is from the condensation build up on the vehicle’s air conditioning system. This type of leaking is normal and should not be of any concern. cars don’t use straight water in the cooling system. What color is freon? Freon is usually a green If your car has air conditioning, you often see water dripping under the car on hot days.

Light Brown Fluid Leaking from Car | Dark Brown Fluid Leaking from Car

Brown fluid leaking from a car could indicate Two areas of the vehicle may be damaged:

1. The car’s engine
2. The car’s brakes

What Color is Engine Oil?

The standard coloration of engine oil is typically light brown to black; its consistency feels very greasy and slick. A car leaking oil will generally do so under front half of vehicle. Engine oil leaks may hit the ground or burn off. You may notice drips on the ground under your parked car, or the smell of burning oil while driving. Check your engine oil when the engine is cool to get the most accurate reading. Keep your oil in the range shown on the dipstick. Get help from a repair shop if you find that you are continuously running low on oil.

What Color is Brake Fluid?

Brake fluid is clear to brown or slightly yellow any sort of brake fluid leaks will often appear near a wheel. Brake fluid uses the force of pressurized lines that’s connected and controlled by the brake pedal. Fluid can become low from a leak in the braking system. It is important to get low or leaking brake fluid checked right away, because brake fluid reservoirs are small. Losing even a small amount could impact how well your brakes work.

However, if the fluid has an odor, the leak is most likely your car’s gear lubricant. Gear lubricant tends to have a bad smell which allows one to distinguish from motor oil almost immediately. Motor oil only really produces an odor when it is burning. So, if the fluid has an odor it will most likely be the gear lubricant.

Whatever leak problem the future holds for your vehicle, a Drivesmart protection plan can cover the repair. Drivesmart’s powertrain coverage is great for oil leaks, brake fluid leaks and more.