Whether you spot a puddle under your car or just a few drops, there are several possible culprits, and color alone might not explain what it is. How can you figure it out? To be sure, you’ll need to pinpoint where it’s coming from using your eyes and your nose.
Amber, dark brown or even black fluid is probably motor oil, but it could also be brake fluid. Reddish fluid is usually from the transmission, though it could also be power-steering fluid. Most antifreeze used to be green; now it comes in several hues.
First, if it smells like gas — and it’s not just a few drops you spilled while filling the tank — treat it as a big deal, because it probably is. It’s unsafe to drive a car that’s leaking gas.
If gas isn’t the culprit, start your investigation by dabbing the fluid with your finger and/or a clean paper towel to get a closer look at the color, as well as to smell it and feel it with your fingers (keep reading for more details on this). Your car’s owner’s manual will show the location of fluid reservoirs under the hood, and that could help you identify what you’re looking at.
Amber, dark brown or even black fluid is probably motor oil, but it could also be brake fluid. Reddish fluid is usually from the transmission, though it could also be power-steering fluid. Most antifreeze used to be green; now it comes in several hues.
First, if it smells like gas — and it’s not just a few drops you spilled while filling the tank — treat it as a big deal, because it probably is. It’s unsafe to drive a car that’s leaking gas.
If gas isn’t the culprit, start your investigation by dabbing the fluid with your finger and/or a clean paper towel to get a closer look at the color, as well as to smell it and feel it with your fingers (keep reading for more details on this). Your car’s owner’s manual will show the location of fluid reservoirs under the hood, and that could help you identify what you’re looking at.