Although taking your vehicle into a professional auto repair shop is the best decision when facing mechanical issues, it’s also important to be able to self-identify those problems in the first place. When it comes to leaks, your car can drip out an entire rainbow of colors. Thankfully, those hues can provide a valuable clue to what needs to be fixed.

What Does the Color of a Car Leak Mean?

Red

A crimson fluid dripping from your car is typically a sign of transmission issues. A cracked seal or a broken supply line could be the source of the leaky transmission or power-steering liquid.

Dark or Light Brown

Old motor oil and brake fluid both can be the source of a dark-brown leak. If the fluid is a lighter brown and has a strong and unpleasant odor, gear lubricant is the more likely culprit.

Green & Yellow

All signs point to leaking radiator fluid if you start to notice a yellow or green drip from under your vehicle. While a loose hose clamp, broken o-ring, or other ill-fit components are often the source of the leak, using a radiator fluid that’s not suitable for your vehicle can also cause more frequent leaks. Check your manufacturer’s specification or ask your local auto repair shop to make sure you’re using the proper kind.

Orange

No vehicle fluid is naturally orange, so a drip of this color can indicate a few things. A rusty radiator can make leaking antifreeze and condensation orange and transmission fluid can slowly turn orange over time.

Blue

Blue leaks are almost always caused by faulty windshield wiper tubing. As the windshield wiper components age, the system of tubing and reservoir that carries wiper fluid through the blades can weaken and become damaged. A quick visit an auto repair shop will get the wiper system back in working order.

Mullanphy Tire & Automotive provides reliable and expert auto repair services to car owners in the Florissant, MO, area. With a team of highly qualified technicians, the company takes pride in being able to quickly identify and fix a wide range of mechanical issues. For more information, call (314) 921-4961 or visit the website today.