Oil Leak Under the Car: Causes by Colour
A puddle under the car? The colour tells you a lot. A Cranbourne West specialist explains what each fluid means.
What it usually means
Brown/black oily fluid is usually engine oil (often a rocker-cover gasket, sump or seal). Reddish fluid is usually transmission or power-steering fluid. Bright green/orange/pink is coolant. Clear water under the front in summer is just air-con condensation — harmless.
European cars commonly weep oil from rocker-cover and sump gaskets as they age — usually a manageable fix if caught early.
What you should do
Note the colour and where the puddle sits, then get it checked — especially coolant or a steady oil leak. Low oil or coolant can cause serious engine damage.
We clean, dye-test if needed, and pinpoint the exact source so the right gasket or seal is replaced.
How we find & fix it
Because the same symptom can have several causes, we use dealer-level diagnostics and a methodical check to pinpoint the real cause — rather than throwing parts at it.
You get a clear explanation and a fixed written quote before any work. Book online in 60 seconds or call 03 8782 0711.
Oil Leak Under the Car: Causes by Colour — FAQ
Light brown to black and oily — reddish is usually transmission/steering fluid, green/orange is coolant.
Monitor the level and get it checked — small leaks grow and can damage the engine if oil runs low.
Usually just air-con condensation in summer — harmless.
We clean the area and use UV dye if needed to trace it to the exact gasket or seal.
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Car doing something odd?
Trusted Cranbourne West car specialists — RACV-accredited, fixed written pricing. Book online or call 03 8782 0711.