COLOURS OF OILS AND FLUIDS
Many people come home to find oil or fluid on the ground under their cars and it is mad panic to find out what part has failed or is leaking. Here is a list of oils and fluids and their colours to help quickly diagnose the problem. Some entries in this list may not apply to you.
Many people come home to find oil or fluid on the ground under their cars and it is mad panic to find out what part has failed or is leaking. Here is a list of oils and fluids and their colours to help quickly diagnose the problem. Some entries in this list may not apply to you.
- Dark brown/black: Engine oil is dark brown when it is new but becomes black as it gets dirty. Engine oil is relatively thick and floats on water, which can help you differentiate it from other fluids.
- Green/orange: Traditional engine coolant — a glycol and water mixture — is green, though many newer vehicles use coolant that is orange or even pink or blue.
- Red/brown: Fresh automatic transmission fluid is red, but like engine oil, it darkens with use. Transmission fluid is a thick oil and will feel slippery on your fingers.
- Power steering fluid: This fluid is often a variant of automatic transmission fluid and is therefore similar in color — reddish brown when new, darker when used.
- Brake fluid: Brake fluid is nearly clear when new, but it quickly takes on a yellow, beige or dark brown color when it is used. Due to safety concerns, brake fluid leaks require professional service and repair.