Here's a simple guide to help you determine what is leaking from your car or truck. This technique will help you pinpoint what the problem is and where the leak might be coming from.
Drive your car over a large white sheet or large white cardboard. Poster board will work. Leave the car there overnight. In the morning either move the sheet/cardboard or back up your car. The colors will tell you what is leaking.
Bright green or orange - you are losing radiator fluid. When you touch it, the fluid will be very slippery. Check the fluid level following instructions in your owner's manual. Keep the fluid level full to prevent the car from overheating.
Light or dark brown/black - the car is leaking oil. If the oil is light brown, that means the oil is still relatively new. Dark brown/black oil means the oil has been in the engine for some time. Use the oil dipstick to see how much oil is still in the engine. If it's below the full mark or dry, add enough oil to keep the engine lubricated. You don't want the engine to seize up on you just because you didn't add any oil.
Red - this could either be automatic transmission fluid or power steering fluid. If it's power steering fluid, steering will become more difficult as you lose fluid. If it's automatic transmission fluid, the gears will grind due to lack of lubrication.
Light yellow or dark brown - the vehicle is leaking brake fluid. When brake fluid is brand new, it's a light yellow color. As it sits in the master cylinder of the vehicle it becomes dark brown over time. You always want to make sure this fluid level is correct so you can stop safely.
Amber - this is gasoline. You can also tell by the smell. It has a very distinct odor.
Clear - just like water. Usually you'll find this coming from cars with air conditioners. It's moisture coming from the condenser on the air conditioning unit.
