A leak underneath your vehicle can have many different reasons, some more serious than others. If you do happen to notice a leak underneath your vehicle, the best thing is to make note of the color, consistency, and location of the leak. This will help your auto mechanic pinpoint the issue, since a leak can come from many different components.
Here are common car leak colors and what they can indicate:
Clear - Clear liquid is just condensation from the air conditioning system, and is nothing to worry about.
Red - Red fluid can indicate a leak of transmission or power steering fluid, caused by a broken transmission seal or a hole in a line between systems.
Pink - Pink fluid usually is power steering fluid or transmission fluid, similar to red.
Orange - Orange can indicate leaking antifreeze or just regular condensation that is rusty from the radiator. Transmission fluid can also look orange if it is old and dirty.
Yellow - Yellow fluid can indicate a radiator coolant leak, caused by a loose hose clamp or a damaged o-ring.
Green - Green fluid is usually an antifreeze leak. Antifreeze can start to leak when hoses, fittings, or clamps have worn out.
Blue - Blue is windshield wiper fluid. With time, the fluid reservoir and tubing that carries this fluid can wear out and cause leaking.
Light Brown - A light brown fluid leak is usually new motor oil or gear lubricant.
Dark Brown - Dark brown fluid can be old motor oil or brake fluid.
As soon as you notice a leak, it is important to have your vehicle inspected. A leak can cause major issues within your vehicle, and the sooner it is repaired, the less damage will be done and the cheaper the repair will be. If you notice a leak, bring your vehicle into our shop today!
