What should you do when you see green fluid leaking from car? Any liquid coming out of your vehicle has never been a good sign. However, you should know what color it is and what texture it has. Different colors would lead to different causes and problems.
Facts about Fluids in Vehicle
A car is a complicated construction consisting of intricate machinery pieces. In order to function well, it uses a lot of fluids. That’s why it’s pretty normal that you may see leakage from time to time. However, the texture and color can give you insight of which fluid is having a problem. When you spot the sign of leakage, it would be best to contact a mechanic right away. Otherwise, you may end up with super high bill for the repair and you will also end up by the side of the road, waiting for the tow truck.
- Green Fluid
When you see green fluid leaking from car, it’s highly likely a coolant leak. A coolant leak may also come in yellow and even pink fluid. Coolant leakage may come from various areas within the cooling system of the car. It’s not a wise move to ignore such a leak, because it would lead to overheating. When your car already suffers from an overheating, you will have to deal with exorbitant repair bill.
- Red Fluid
Your car generally uses two types of read fluid: the power steering and the auto transmission fluid. Both of them are included in the hydraulic fluid. The power steering fluid is red when new and fresh. However, as time passes, it would be reddish brown and it will eventually become old brown. The texture is oily with thin consistency, with burnt marshmallow scent.
What about the auto transmission fluid? It’s also red when new, which will eventually turn red brown. When you feel it, it feels slick with petroleum smell. From the smell, texture, and color, you may guess what’s happening to your car. When you see the leak, schedule an inspection with your mechanics.
- Light Yellow Fluid
When you see light yellow fluid, DON’T drive it. It’s most likely the brake fluid. When it’s still fresh, it’s light yellow. However, it will get darker as time passes or when you fail to maintain it. The feel is slippery and oily, with fish oil-like smell. When contacting the mechanics, ask them to check, repair, or even replace the brake lines.
Coolant Leakage
You see, the coolant is kept within the tank inside the engine bay and it would be released whenever the car needs to cool down the engine. When there is a leak, there is likely a hole inside the tank. Or it’s possible that there is a gap in the hoses moving the coolant around the engine.
Identifying a leakage can be done from the smell. Most coolants have sweet smell because of the ethylene glycol. If you sniff this in your cabin or if you can smell the fluid puddle, then it’s probably the sign. Have your car checked.
Is It Safe for Driving?
If you suspect your coolant leaking, is it still safe to drive it around? It’s advisable not to use the car at all. If you are adamant of driving it, you need to do it extra carefully. The car has this temperature gauge that will tell you when it’s becoming too hot. If you drive your car, make sure that the gauge remains slow. An overheating system can lead to big repair – or even an immediate replacement that will cost you a lot. So, if you see green fluid leaking from car, you know what to do.
Gallery of Green Fluid Leaking From Car: What Does It Mean?
