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The Different Colors of Automotive Fluids

Automotive fluids come in different colors so you can identify them if they leak out of your car. The problem is that some fluids are the same color. In this case, it’s easier to identify what is leaking based on where it’s leaking from. RI Automotive is going to list the common fluids found in your automobile below by their color so you have a quick reference guide in case your automobile is leaking fluid.

Blue

Antifreeze/coolant is blue sometimes, but it is more common for blue fluid leaking out of your automobile to be windshield washing solution. You can check the color of your antifreeze/coolant by looking at it when your engine is cold. If it isn’t blue, you have a windshield washer leak.

Brown

Automotive fluids range from light brown to dark brown. This change in color is due to age. New fluids are light brown and old fluids are dark brown. Brown automotive fluids include brake and differential fluid, motor oil, and oxidized transmission fluid.

Clear

If you see clear fluid leaking out of your automobile that smells like gasoline, do not drive your car because it has a gas leak. Most often, however, clear fluid is just water. You don’t need to worry if your vehicle is dripping water.

Green

Green and blue-green is a common color of antifreeze/coolant. Again, to identify what color of coolant you have in your engine, check the color in the radiator or overflow reservoir when your engine is cold. Do not check the coolant when your engine is hot.

Orange

Rusty engine coolant is orange. This is a sign that the bottom of your radiator is corroded. It has rusted through and you have a coolant leak.

Pink

Pink fluid is usually transmission fluid that is being diluted by water or coolant. This is not a good thing because transmission fluid is sealed in the transmission. If the fluid is pink, there is a leak somewhere between the transmission and the rest of your engine.

Red

Transmission fluid is normally red. As we said above, old transmission fluid is dark brown. Brake fluid is usually brown, but sometimes it is also red. Power steering fluid is red. You may also have engine coolant that is red.

Yellow

Finally, the most common fluid that is yellow is antifreeze/coolant. As you can see, antifreeze/coolant comes in many different colors.

Do not panic if your automobile is leaking fluid. RI Automotive in Tampa, FL, can find out which fluid is leaking and from where. Call us today to schedule an appointment.

Photo by welcomia via Canva Pro
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