Engine fluids are different colors because of their ingredients and how they’re made. They are also different colors to help auto mechanics identify the fluid. For example, if you have brown spots on your garage floor, your engine is likely leaking oil; if you have orange fluid seeping out of your vehicle, it might be transmission oil. No matter the color, it’s important to find and fix the leak as soon as possible, as a low fluid of any type can damage your engine warns University Auto Repair.
Fluid Purposes
Vehicle system fluids serve many purposes. They lubricate moving parts, they cool your engine in the summer and prevent engine water from freezing in the winter, they help the brakes stop your automobile, and they clean your windshield while you drive. If you pull out your owner’s manual and turn to the preventative maintenance section, you will see a mileage milestone to change every fluid in your car, truck or SUV. They play that important of a role and they must be clean to perform their function.
Fluid Colors
Finding fluid on your garage floor leaves you with a dreadful feeling. A fluid leak spells trouble and, in some cases, an expensive repair. For example, if your vehicle is leaking radiator fluid it’s possible the radiator is rusted and has holes in it. It can cost as much as $400 to replace it. To avoid expensive repairs, it’s important to fix the leak sooner rather than later. If you see fluid on your garage floor, check the color to identify it. For example, if the fluid is
- Light-to-dark-brown or black, it’s likely motor oil.
- Light brown and smells like rotten eggs, it could be lube oil.
- Light yellow to dark brown, it might be brake fluid.
- Reddish, you’re looking at power steering fluid.
- Orange to reddish-brown, transmission oil or rusty radiator fluid could be leaking from your car.
- Green, pink, or yellow, it means coolant is dripping onto your garage floor.
- Clear, you can breathe a sigh of relief. It’s water, which is normal.
The only time water leaking from your vehicle is not normal is if there is a ton of it, but in most cases, drips of water are simply condensation, so you needn’t worry. You should worry about all other fluid leaks, however, because no fluid should ever leak from your car, truck or SUV.
If you do have a leak call University Auto Repair in Flagstaff, AZ, to schedule an appointment. We’ll find the leak and fix it.
