Earlier in the month we posted about the signs your car may be giving you that you need an exhaust repair shop or an ASE mechanic for another issue. Today we’re going to help you understand what it means when you see a puddle beneath your car. Admittedly, your car will eventually tell you that there’s an issue with the illumination of a service light, however, it may be after damage is already done.
Brown Fluids
Many of your car’s fluids can become brown over time. That’s because fluids get dirty over time with use. A brown, tan or amber puddle may be one of four different fluids:
- Oil – this is the most obvious one. Many describe new oil as looking amber in hue but as it ages, it becomes darker to almost black. If you notice any oil at all, go see your ASE mechanic as letting it go for even a day can lead to serious engine damage.
- Brake fluid – Although brake fluid may start out yellow or even clear, it quickly turns brown. A clue that it’s a brake fluid leak is that it may smell like a fish oil. Without the proper amount of brake fluid, you can’t stop effectively and may end up in an accident.
- Transmission fluid – The smell should give this one away as well. You’ll find it smells like gasoline or it may have a burnt smell. You’ll notice this leak near the center of the car.
- Power steering fluid – Sometimes mistaken for transmission fluid, power steering fluid leaks occur closer to the front of your car.
Other Colors
As we said earlier, fluids can change with use and age. Of course, they don’t start off the same color to begin with so the hues you see can vary as well.
- Yellow fluids – Before both brake fluid and transmission fluid turn a shade of brown, they’re usually yellow. However, coolant can start off a yellowish green.
- Red or pink – Transmission fluid can start off a transparent red or pink and coolant can also be pink. It’s not unusual for coolant to leak from an older vehicle, but your ASE mechanic should still check it out.
- Green – Green is almost always your coolant. Coolant leaks are toxic to animals and, because it tastes sweet, it’s appealing to them. Be sure to take care to clean up a coolant leak if you notice it in your driveway or garage. Of course, take it to your ASE mechanic for fluid leak repair.
As an ASE Mechanic, We Perform Fluid Leak Repair
Oldsmar Automotive is your trusted team of ASE mechanics. We’re located at 3166 Tampa Road in Oldsmar. If you have a fluid leak, come by our shop or, if you prefer, call us at (727) 784-3501 to schedule an appointment.
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