Back to all

You Are the Fluid Detective! (Leaking Fluids)

March 1, 2026

When you see some liquid sitting underneath your vehicle, your mind starts churning.  Is that normal? Is that something serious, or did I just spill my drink? Here’s a quick list of what those fluids look, smell and feel like, as well as what they might be. No, we don’t recommend you taste them to verify.

   •    Clear and underneath your air conditioner or under the end of your tailpipe. It’s likely something as simple as condensed water.  This probably doesn’t need immediate attention, but you should keep checking periodically.
   •    Oily, brown, golden or black.  That could be the sign of engine oil leaking.  Oil may also smell if it has been leaking on metal and burning.  This is one you should have checked out fairly quickly.
   •    Green, blue, red, yellow, purple or orange and watery under the engine.  Smells sweet.  May be coolant (antifreeze) and a sign of a leaking radiator, hose or clamp.  Also, could mean your water pump is shot or radiator is broken or cracked.  The more that’s there, the more important it is for us to check it out soon.
   •    Yellow, slippery and smells a little foul.  Could be brake fluid. This is one that you should bring to us quickly to have us inspect.
   •    Red or pinkish and collects under the engine or middle of your vehicle.  Could be power steering fluid.  Here’s another one that should be checked by a professional soon.
   •    Red or brown liquid from around your transmission or between your radiator and the transmission, smells sweet.  You might smell burning from around your engine area, too.  Might be transmission fluid.  Another one where it’s important to have a pro look at it soon.  

Your eyes and nose can be helpful to spotting things that need attention on your vehicle.  When in doubt, head on over to see us so a technician can check it out.  Taking care of it sooner rather than later could save you an expensive repair down the road.

Tuffy Toledo (Airport Hwy)
5310 Airport Hwy
Toledo, OH 43615
567-204-3170

More articles from Tuffy Toledo (Airport Hwy)

Fuel Injectors

June 7, 2026

The last new American vehicles sold in Toledo with a carburetor rolled out of the OH dealerships in 1990. Since then, all new vehicles here in Toledo, and nationally, have had fuel injectors. In very simple terms, a fuel injector is a valve that squirts fuel into your engine. Your engine control ... More

Muffler: Victim of Winter (Muffler Repair)

May 31, 2026

So you almost got through the winter until, one day, your muffler started sounding like a dragster, loud and obnoxious. It's not surprising. All that road salt and brine can cause rust to punch holes in a muffler, and that should raise a big, red warning flag about the safety of your vehicle. ... More

Automotive Tips from Tuffy Toledo (Airport Hwy): Causes of Wheel Misalignment

May 24, 2026

When properly aligned, all of your wheels are pointed in the same direction. Your vehicle will track true and handle the way it is designed. Toledo drivers often associate our wheels being knocked out of alignment with an event like a major crash, hitting a pothole, curb or some other object. Whi... More