It’s a good idea to know the colors of automotive fluids just in case your automobile decides to spring a leak. The older your car, truck, or utility vehicle gets the more chances of a fluid leak. Journey Auto Repair is going to list the colors of automotive fluids below so you have a general idea of what is leaking out of your automobile. It’s important to note that it might be unsafe to operate your vehicle if it is leaking fluid.
Blue
Unless the blue fluid leaking from your automobile is antifreeze/coolant, it’s safe to drive your automobile if it is leaking blue fluid because it is leaking windshield washing solution. You can drive; you just can’t clean your windshield.
Brown
You probably shouldn’t drive your automobile if it is leaking brown fluid. Light brown fluid is new brake fluid, differential oil, and motor oil. If the fluid is dark brown, it’s likely the same fluids; it’s just that these fluids have aged.
Clear
If the clear fluid leaking from your automobile smells like gasoline, do not drive your vehicle. You have a diesel fuel or gasoline leak. Otherwise, the fluid is just water dripping off of your vehicle’s air conditioner or out of the tailpipe.
Green
Green fluid is antifreeze/coolant. This fluid can also have a blue tint to it. If your vehicle is leaking coolant, do not drive it. If you do, you run the risk of overheating the engine and damaging it, even if you turn on the heater to reduce the engine’s temperature.
Orange
Orange fluid is also coolant, it’s just that the coolant is filled with rust. This is a sign that your radiator is corroded and leaking from the bottom. Not only do you need to replace the radiator before you drive your automobile but you also need to replace the coolant.
Pink
Pink fluid is a very bad sign. Pink fluid that looks milky is a combination of transmission oil and engine coolant. In other words, you have a serious leak between the two systems that needs to be fixed right away.
Red
In some cases, brake fluid and coolant are red. Power steering and transmission fluid are always red. It’s not a good idea to drive your automobile if it is leaking any of these fluids, as you may damage crucial systems and it may be difficult to control your vehicle.
Yellow
Finally, sometimes brake fluid that is new looks yellow. Coolant can also be yellow.
Journey Auto Repair in New Hope, MN, can check all of your automobile’s fluids to make sure they don’t need to be changed and are at the right levels. Call us today to schedule an appointment.