Even though vehicle maintenance professionals can identify a wide range of automotive concerns, gathering as much information as possible on your own can be helpful before heading to the shop. In some cases, such as leaks, the color of the dripping fluid can provide a huge clue to the cause of the problem. Here are some of the colors to keep an eye out for and what they can mean.

4 Colors of Fluid Leaks

1. Orange

There’s no automotive fluid that’s naturally orange, but this color can still give valuable clues to a vehicle maintenance professional as to what needs to be fixed. If your car’s radiator is rusty, the buildup can turn leaking antifreeze and condensation orange. Transmission fluid can also slowly turn an orange hue over time.

2. Blue

A blue leak is one of the easiest vehicle maintenance issues to identify. These drips almost always signal a problem with the windshield wiper tubing. As components of the windshield wiper system age, the reservoir and tubing that carries the fluid can become damaged and start leaking. 

3. Yellow & Green

A yellow or green drip is a clear sign of radiator issues; a broken O-ring or loose hose clamp are the most common sources of this leak. If a vehicle maintenance professional fixes these components, the leak should stop. Radiator fluid that’s not compatible with your car might also be the cause of the drip; check the manufacturer specifications to make sure you’re using the right type of fluid.

4. Dark & Light Brown

Brake fluid and old motor oil are typically the culprits of a dark brown leak. If the brown is a lighter shade and has a foul odor, however, your car is most likely leaking gear lubricant and should be checked out immediately.

While you might not be able to fix the problem, identifying the source of your auto leak can save you time when you visit an expert. Professional Automotive has been the go-to source of vehicle maintenance in the Anchorage, AK, area for more than 25 years. Whatever the automotive issue is, the shop’s knowledgeable team of technicians can quickly identify and fix the problem. Call (907) 562-2471 to schedule an appointment, or visit their website to learn more about their services.