Car Fluid Leak Colours 101
Author: Toby Date Posted:11 July 2025
Did you know that over 60% of breakdowns are caused by small issues drivers ignore — like fluid leaks? Spotting a mysterious puddle under your car can be alarming, but the colour of that leak often holds the first clue. From bright green to rusty red, each hue tells a different story about what’s happening under the bonnet.
It’s not always bad news, but quick identification can save you time, money, and a roadside disaster. Here's your go-to guide for decoding leak colours and knowing when it’s time to act.
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Clear: Water
If it’s colourless, odourless, and showing up near the passenger-side front wheel, it’s likely just condensation from your air conditioning system. No need to panic — especially in humid or hot weather.
What to watch for: If the drip is excessive or appears mixed with other fluids, it might signal a clogged A/C drain line.
Green, Orange, or Pink: Coolant
Coolant comes in a rainbow of colours depending on the type and brand. Common ones include:
- Green - Older-style ethylene glycol coolant
- Orange - Organic Acid Technology (OAT) coolants
- Pink or Red - Used in many Toyota, Mazda, and Hyundai models
- Blue - Sometimes used in European vehicles like BMW or Audi (e.g. Glysantin G40)
Coolant leaks often appear beneath the radiator or front engine area. Leaking coolant can cause overheating and engine damage if left unchecked.
What to do: Top up with the correct colour coolant (don’t mix types), and check your hoses, radiator cap, and water pump for wear.
Reddish or Pink: Transmission or Power Steering Fluid
A reddish or pink leak might be transmission fluid or power steering fluid. The location of the leak helps narrow it down — transmission leaks are usually under the gearbox, while power steering leaks appear closer to the front wheels or steering rack.
Keep in mind: These fluids are crucial for performance and safety, so don’t delay a fix.
Light Brown or Black: Engine Oil
Fresh oil is amber or golden. Over time, it darkens and may turn black, especially between oil changes.
A leak under the engine bay could be from the oil pan gasket, valve cover, or sump plug.
What to do: If your oil light comes on, check the dipstick. Top up with the correct viscosity grade, but book a repair before it becomes a major problem.
Brown with a Burnt Smell: Brake Fluid
Brake fluid usually starts off clear to light brown and gets darker over time. It also has a distinct, slightly burnt smell. A brake fluid leak is serious and can affect stopping power.
Urgent fix required — this is a safety issue.
Blue: Washer Fluid
A bright blue leak (sometimes green or orange) near the front of the car usually points to windshield washer fluid. It’s the least critical of the bunch, but still worth fixing if the reservoir or lines are damaged.
Stay Leak-Free with Superspares
From gaskets and hoses to sealants and replacement fluids, Superspares has what you need to fix the issue before it gets worse. As your go-to car parts store, we stock a wide range of parts for every make and model, with fast shipping Australia-wide.
Don’t ignore that puddle under your car — shop with Superspares and sort it out the right way.
