Your automotive fluids can tell you a great deal about the state of your car’s health. Just as doctors diagnose physical disorders from laboratory samples, an auto mechanic can troubleshoot problems based on the level, color, and odor of your automotive fluids.
Even before you place that call for help or drive your car into our auto shop, you can get a head start on understanding your vehicle’s potential problems by reading your car’s various fluids. Here’s a quick overview of some common trouble signs.
Low Levels
Some automotive fluids naturally tend to get used up over time, while others should remain at the same level constantly. For instance, automakers actually expect engine oil levels to drop a bit between recommended service intervals, regarding a certain amount of engine oil consumption as normal.
The older a vehicle gets, the more rapidly it may burn oil. A vehicle with worn piston rings, valve stems, or seals may also leak or burn excessive amounts of oil. If your dipstick reading shows that you lose more than a quart of oil every 3,000 miles, you could have a leak or other problem that needs fixing.
Other kinds of fluids usually drop only if your vehicle definitely has a leak. Automatic transmission fluid reservoirs include a dipstick for easy inspection, while manual transmission fluid levels must be checked with the car lifted.
The fluid levels in your coolant reservoir and your brake fluid reservoir should both rest at the two-thirds mark. If these levels appear low, refill them as soon as possible. Low brake fluid, in particular, requires immediate attention.
Color Changes
Automotive fluids come in a veritable rainbow of colors. In some cases, the color of the fluid can even help you determine whether you have the right fluid for the job. For example, different makes of cars typically call for specific types of automatic transmission fluid, each of which may have a different color.
The fluids in your car may change color over time as they become increasingly burnt or dirty. Engine oil may transform from a golden color to a black or dark brown shade, a sign that it can no longer protect the engine properly. Brake fluid should also look golden in color, not black.
Transmission fluid may come in blue-green, lime-green, pink, or orange variations. Whatever fluid color you started out with, however, is the color you should still see in your reservoir. If the transmission fluid has turned brown, go ahead and have it replaced. Born power steering fluid (which should appear red or pink) also needs changing.
Strange Smells
When you check your vehicle’s fluids, don’t just examine the level and look at the color; use your nose as well. A burnt smell coming from any fluid may mean that the fluid has gotten old and worn out. In addition to old or dirty engine oil, this odor can indicate that your (normally sweet-smelling) transmission fluid has seen better days.
Some automotive fluid odors can verge on the bizarre. For instance, brake fluid can take on an oddly fishy smell, especially if your car has developed a problem with its master cylinder. Burnt power steering fluid smells like toasted marshmallows. Whenever you pick up these smells, check your fluid levels and colors.
Think of your vehicle’s fluids as an extra early-warning system that helps to detect problems that need professional care. At the same time, remember to get these fluids checked and changed regularly. Call White’s Automotive Center for emergency assistance, or stop by our auto shop Monday through Saturday to get your vehicle inspected and/or serviced.
