Vehicle Troubleshooting Guide: What's Leaking?

Have a puddle underneath your vehicle but you're not quite sure what it is?  Below is a list of the most common fluids in your vehicle and what they look like when they're in good condition or bad condition. 

Transmission Fluid Leak

  -  If the fluid is in good condition, the transmission fluid will be a Pinkish-Red color.
  -  If the fluid is bad due to neglect of poor servicing, the transmission fluid will be Brown/Black in color

Coolant Leak

  -  Coolant comes in a variety of colors, but the specific type that is right for your vehicle is dependant on its
     make and model.  If  the fluid is in good condition, the coolant may be Green, Orange, Yellow, Pink or Blue.
  -  If the coolant is in bad condition due to neglect of poor servicing, the fluid will have a rusty tinge to
     whichever color coolant your vehicle requires.

Power Steering Fluid Leak

  -  Power steering fluid comes in two colors, but the specific type that is right for your vehicle is dependant on
     its make and model.  If the power steering fluid is in good condition, it may be Clear/Gold or Red.
  -  If the power steering fluid is bad due to neglect or poor servicing, it will be Brown/Black in color.

Brake Fluid Leak

  -  If the brake fluid is in good condition it will be Clear/Yellow in color.
  -  If the brake fluid is in bad condition due to neglect or poor servicing, it will be Black/Brown color.

Oil

  -  If the fluid is in good condition, the oil will be Gold in color.
  -  If the oil is bad condition due to neglect or poor servicing, it will be Brown/Black in color.

Click for more fluid information.