If you know all of the fluids in your automobile, you probably also know when they need to be changed. Changing the fluids extends the life of the engine and the miles that you get out of it. We are going to list the different types of automotive fluids below by their color. In the event you have a fluid leak, knowing the color of the fluid can help you identify it.
Blue
For example, if you have blue spots on the garage floor, your automobile is leaking windshield washing solution. In rare cases, it may also be leaking antifreeze/coolant. Check the overflow reservoir for the radiator to make sure the antifreeze/coolant is not blue.
Brown
If you have brown spots on the garage floor, your engine could be leaking motor oil. Continuing to drive the automobile could damage the engine. If the brown spots are located around the wheels, you have a brake fluid leak. Finally, differential oil is also brown.
Clear
Clear fluid is usually water that has dripped off of the air conditioning system. If the clear fluid is behind the tailpipe, it is condensation coming out of the tailpipe. This being said, we recommend that you smell the clear fluid to make sure it does not smell like fuel.
Green
Green is a common color in which antifreeze/coolant comes. Therefore, if your automobile is leaking green fluid, you may want to avoid driving it to prevent overheating the engine. The green hue may be neon green or it may look like a combination of green and yellow.
Orange
Antifreeze/coolant can also come in orange. Again, if you look at the coolant color when your engine is cold, you will know the exact color of the coolant in the engine. Sometimes, the antifreeze/coolant will turn orange because there is rest in the radiator.
Red
You guessed it. Another color of antifreeze/coolant is red. In addition to this automotive fluid, the power steering fluid and transmission fluid are also red. Another fluid that comes in red is brake fluid.
Yellow
Finally, the last color in which antifreeze/coolant comes is yellow. Usually, this is a bright, neon yellow that is hard to miss. There may also be green in the yellow color. In addition, brake fluid can look yellow when it is new.
Give us a call today if your vehicle is overdue for any fluid-changing services. We will schedule an appointment that works well with your day.