If you've noticed a puddle under your car, the color of the fluid can often help you determine what's leaking. By identifying the color, here’s a quick color guide to help you figure out what might be leaking from your vehicle:
Yellowish/Green – Coolant or Antifreeze Leak: If the puddle is yellowish or green, your car is likely leaking coolant or antifreeze. This can be a serious issue because coolant leaks can cause your engine to overheat.
Light Brown/Black – Oil Leak: A light brown or black liquid is usually a sign of an oil leak. This could be coming from several areas, such as your oil filter, oil gasket, or oil cooler line. Severe engine damage can result from ignoring an oil leak.
Reddish Brown and Thin – Power Steering Leak: If the fluid is thin and reddish-brown, your power steering system might be leaking.
Reddish Brown and Thick – Transmission Fluid Leak: A reddish-brown and thick stain usually indicates a transmission fluid leak. Your vehicle’s gearbox relies on transmission fluid to function properly, and a leak can cause serious problems.
Clear/Gray/Brown/Amber/Greenish – Brake Fluid Leak: Brake fluid is essential for your vehicle’s braking system, and a leak can severely affect your ability to stop safely. If you notice this type of fluid is leaking, it’s important to have your brake system inspected immediately.
Clear – Water: Clear liquid is often just water, which could be coming from your air conditioning system. This is completely normal if you're using the AC while driving.
Hopefully this color chart never comes in handy – we hope your car never develops a leak. But if it does, bring it to our Castro Valley car care facility, and our nationally ASE certified technicians will diagnose the exact location and nature of the leak, and will make your car well again. In the meantime, call us to make an appointment for regular service – we work on most makes and models currently in use.