If you discover a puddle of greasy liquid under your car, it is an indication of a leak. It can be any of the essential fluids that serve different purposes in a car. Some leaks require more urgent fixing than others as the source of the leak can vary in every case. However, each leak usually indicates an underlying problem that needs attention. You can simply put a piece of cardboard under the car and check the fluid colour to identify the source of the leak.
This guide will help you identify car fluid leaks by colour so that you can take appropriate action to resolve the issue.
Identification of different car fluids by colour
Here is how you can identify car fluid leaks with colours:
1. Engine Oil
A car fluid with shades between black to light brown is usually the engine oil. While it is crucial to check all kinds of leakages, engine oil leaks should be fixed on a priority basis. If left unchecked for too long, a leak from engine oil can lead to a bigger bill.
It is recommended to check your car fluids regularly to avoid long term problems.
Colour: light brown to black
Fixing Priority: Urgent
If fixing engine oil leaks is not enough to make your car engine work properly, check out these car engine part for sale as you might need to replace them.
2. Brake Fluid
If the puddle underneath your car is of light blue shade and its consistency is slippery, it is the car brake fluid. The source of this leak is usually located under the pedal. If you spot such a leak, you are recommended not to drive the car unless you take care of the issue.
Brake fluid plays an important role in the functioning of the brakes by maintaining the hydraulic pressure. Brake fluid leaks can either weaken or stop the system from working. Brake failure may lead to serious road accidents. Therefore, the vehicle should be taken to a mechanic immediately in case of a brake fluid leakage.
Colour: light blue
Fixing Priority: Urgent
If your car brakes don’t recover even after brake fluid replacement, maybe it is time to get them checked. If needed, you can buy these car brake systems and spare parts.
3. Automatic Transmission Fluid
An odourless, red fluid is likely to be the transmission fluid. The fluid works as both a coolant and a lubricant for the transmission. The car transmission can be permanently damaged if this fluid dips too low.
Transmission fluid leak usually occurs in the middle or at the front of the vehicle. The leakage is critical and should be addressed as soon as possible.
Colour: Red
Fixing Priority: As soon as possible
4. Power Steering Fluid
Since some manufacturers use proprietary power steering fluid while others use transmission fluid for this, the colour could be either yellow or red, depending on which is being used. Also, the former has a characteristic smell like charred cooking oil.
The reservoir marking indicates if the fluid runs low. Moreover, a low level of fluid also causes a noisy power steering pump. The leak may occur on either side of the steering rack. You should deal with it and change the power steering pump immediately.
Colour: Red or yellow
Fixing Priority: As soon as possible
5. Coolant
A vehicle coolant is easy to identify as there are different colours of car coolant like green, yellow or even pink. It has a sweet smell even though it is highly toxic. When a vehicle loses the coolant, the outcomes can be disastrous. It can cause the engine to overheat and may even destroy the car in the worst-case scenario.
Colour: Green, yellow or pink
Fixing Priority: Urgent
This is how you identify car fluid leaks with colours. Timely checking and taking care of fluid leaks can save you a lot of money. However, if the fluid exchange is no longer enough to save your car anymore, you can always buy used cars at affordable prices.
Stay tuned to the UAE’s top autoblog for more information on car maintenance and driving tips.
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