Fluid Leaks

Found a puddle under your car and not sure what it means? This is your starting point for figuring it out. Car fluid leaks can come from several different systems — engine, cooling, brakes, transmission, power steering — and the color, smell, and location of the leak are usually enough to narrow it down without a mechanic.
This section covers every angle: leaks identified by color (red, green, orange, pink, blue, brown, clear), leaks identified by where they’re coming from (front, back, underneath), leaks identified by smell, and how to tell the difference between something minor and something that needs immediate attention. Each guide explains what’s likely causing it, how serious it is, and what to do next — in plain language, no mechanic jargon required.