What fluid is leaking from my car? A color guide
Slide a piece of white cardboard under the car overnight and look at the color. Clear and watery near the front passenger side is usually A/C condensation and normal. Brown or black and slick is engine oil. Bright green, orange or pink with a sweet smell is coolant. Red or pink and oily is transmission or power steering fluid. Clear to amber and slippery near a wheel may be brake fluid, which is urgent.
Leak color chart
| Color and feel | Likely fluid | Usual location | Urgency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clear, watery, no smell | A/C condensation | Front passenger side | Normal |
| Light brown to black, slick | Engine oil | Under the engine | Soon; depends on rate |
| Green, orange, pink or blue; sweet smell | Coolant (antifreeze) | Front, near radiator or engine | Soon; urgent if temperature rises |
| Red or pink, oily | Automatic transmission fluid | Middle or front of car | Soon |
| Red, amber or clear, oily | Power steering fluid | Front, near the steering | Soon |
| Clear to yellow-brown, slippery | Brake fluid | Near a wheel or behind the engine | Urgent; don't drive |
| Blue, thin, watery | Washer fluid | Front | Not urgent |
| Thin, strong gasoline smell | Fuel | Anywhere | Urgent; don't drive, fire risk |
| Thick, dark, strong sulfur smell | Gear or differential oil | Rear axle or transfer case | Soon |
A simple test at home
- Park on a level spot and slide a sheet of white cardboard or paper under the engine overnight.
- In the morning, note the color, size of the spot and where on the card it is.
- Snap a photo and text it to us along with a photo of the area under the car.
Coolant and pets
Coolant tastes sweet and is highly toxic to dogs, cats and children. Wipe up any puddle promptly and get the leak fixed.
Not every oil leak needs immediate repair. How to tell.
From drivers who came to us
I had a small leak in my engine… they took photos and are going to watch the issue over time to see what is needed.
I had oil leaks issue with my car's engine, they changed all seal related to this issue.
Excerpts from verified customer reviews on Yelp.
More questions
Is water dripping from under my car normal?
Clear water dripping near the front passenger footwell area after running the A/C is condensation, and it's normal. Water from the tailpipe on a cold start is normal too.
Which leaks mean I shouldn't drive?
Brake fluid, a large coolant leak with a rising temperature gauge, a fuel leak (strong gasoline smell), or any leak big enough to leave a puddle in minutes.
How do I know where the leak is coming from?
Where it drips isn't always where it starts, because fluid runs along parts before it falls. A lift, a light and sometimes a dye test find the source.