Your European automobile is filled with automotive fluids that help it run and keep you comfortable. If any of these fluids begin to leak, it may become dangerous to drive your automobile. RB Auto Service lists the fluids in your vehicle below and also gives you their common colors so you can tell which fluids are leaking out of your automobile if you end up with a fluid leak.
Antifreeze/Coolant
Antifreeze and coolant are usually combined into one fluid these days. We don’t really need antifreeze here in Pinellas Park, Florida. We do need coolant, however. This fluid circulates through the engine and draws heat away from it to prevent it from overheating. Engine coolant comes in a wide variety of colors, including blue, green, red, and yellow.
Brake Fluid
Brake fluid is light brown when it is new, and it eventually turns dark brown. Some brake fluid is also red. You can tell the color of your brake fluid by looking at it in the reservoir in the engine.
Differential Oil
Differential oil is light brown to dark brown and generally leaks from the back of your automobile. This oil is what lubricates the axles and CV boots.
Fuel
Obviously, your vehicle has gasoline or diesel fuel in it. This fluid can look clear if it is leaking, so it’s important to smell any clear fluids that are on your garage floor. If it smells like fuel, you should not drive your automobile.
Motor Oil
Motor oil is light brown when it is brand-new. As it ages, it turns dark brown. One service that you should never skimp on is your oil changes. You need to have clean motor oil circulating through your engine at all times.
Power Steering Fluid
Power steering fluid is red. Rarely does this fluid change color because it is enclosed in the power steering system. If you have a hydraulic power steering system, you have power steering fluid. Electric power steering systems do not have power steering fluid.
Refrigerant
Your automobile’s air conditioner uses refrigerant which starts off in gas form but is compressed into fluid. As with power steering fluid, the refrigerant is completely encased in the system.
Transmission Fluid
Transmission fluid is bright red when it is new and it ages to dark brown. It’s important that you never let your transmission fluid turn dark brown. This is too old and causes damage to the transmission.
Windshield Washer
Finally, the washing solution that you use to clean your windshield is blue. This fluid can leak out of the reservoir or lines.
RB Auto Service is the best auto repair shop in Pinellas Park, FL, and we’d be happy to find any fluid leaks your vehicle might have and repair them. Call us today.