Car Fluid Color Chart: How to Identify Leaks by Color

How to Use a Car Fluid Color Chart to Identify Leaks: A Comprehensive Guide

One common issue that every car owner may encounter at some point is fluid leaks. Whether it’s oil, coolant, transmission fluid, or brake fluid, identifying leaks early can prevent major damage and costly repairs. One of the most effective ways to diagnose a leak is by using a car fluid color chart. This guide will walk you through how to use a fluid color chart to identify leaks in your car, helping you address potential issues before they become serious problems.

Coolant colors — Coolant leaks are the most common

Coolant colors vary by carmaker and model year. They range from the traditional green as a universal coolant to blue for Honda, purple for some late model Chrysler products, orange for GM vehicles, Red or Pink for Toyota, Pink for many European vehicles, to yellow as a universal G-5 coolant.

Where you’ll spot coolant leaks

Coolant can leak from the radiator (on the ground under the grille area), hoses (from grille area to engine), the coolant reservoir (usually located on either the left or right side of engine compartment), heater core (which would leak out of the vehicle through the condensate drain under the heater box), or the water pump (under vehicle near the front of engine).

How Coolant feels between your fingers

Coolant has a slightly oily feel but is not as slippery as motor oil. It has a sweet smell. It has a very thin, almost watery consistency

Transmission fluid colors

Most transmission fluids start out as bright red. As it ages, the dye fades to a pink color. If the transmission overheats, the fluid burns and turns light brown, then dark brown and acquires a bad burnt smell.

Where you’ll spot transmission fluid leaks

Transmission fluid can leak out the axle shaft seals directly under the transmission or from the transmission cooler line connections at the transmission or the radiator (the transmission oil cooler is usually located inside the radiator).

How transmission fluid feels between your fingers

Transmission fluid is a light oil and will feel slippery between your fingers, although not as viscous as motor oil.

Brake fluid color

New brake fluid is honey-colored, while older brake fluid can be brown or dark brown. However, color is not an indication of brake fluid condition. A brake fluid can have a dark brown color yet still test fine for moisture content, pH balance, and copper content. Never use color as an indicator to change brake fluid. Always use a moisture meter, refractometer, or test strips.

Where you’ll spot brake fluid leaks

Brake fluid can leak from the brake caliper or wheel cylinders located at each wheel. If they’re leaking, you’ll often find wet spots on the inside of the tires and wheels or puddles on the ground under each wheel.

However, if the brake lines have rusted and failed, you might see puddles along each side of the vehicle in addition to under each wheel.

What brake fluid feels like between your fingers

Brake fluid feels very thin slightly slippery feel. It has no smell

Engine oil color

The new engine oil is honey-colored. As it ages, it turns grayish and then dark brown. Motor oil color is not an indication of its condition. All motor oil will turn dark brown as you rack up the miles, but that doesn’t mean it’s worn out.

Where you’ll find engine oil leaks

Engine oil usually leaks from the valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, timing cover gasket or rear main seal. So you’ll spot the leakage on the engine or on the ground directly below the engine.

What engine oil feels like between your fingers

Slippery. It may have a fuel smell to it.

Power steering fluid color

Carmakers use either a traditional red transmission fluid or a clear power steering fluid. Clear fluids will turn light grey over time. That’s not an indication that the fluid requires replacement.

Where you’ll find power steering fluid leaks

Power steering fluid can leak from the steering rack which is often mounted behind the engine directly below the brake pedal. However, power steering fluid can also leak from the power steering pump at the front of the engine or along either of the two power steering hoses.

What does power steering fluid feel like between your fingers

It has a slight oily/slippery feel to it. If the fluid is toward the brown side, it may have a burned smell to it.

Clear fluid on the ground under the blower motor area

This is water condensation from your vehicle’s air conditioning. It drains out of the AC evaporator coil and onto the ground, usually forming a large puddle after you park. It has no smell and feels like water between your fingers. It’s perfectly normal when you operate your AC

Puddle size

3-in. or larger is considered a serious leak that requires your immediate attention. Check all fluid levels and top off immediately before continuing to drive the vehicle. Get it to a shop ASAP.

1-in. to 2-in. is a drip and should be checked out soon. Check all fluids and top off, and get the vehicle inspected\

©, 2022 Rick Muscoplat