Why Is My Car Leaking Red Stuff?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Red. Red fluid leaking from your car is generally an indication that

your transmission or power steering system is leaking

. This could be due to a faulty transmission seal or a hole in the return line that feeds the fluid between systems. Dry the leak up with a Transmission System Evaluation.

What car fluid is reddish?

There are two fluids used by your vehicle that are red. These are the

automatic transmission fluid and the power steering

. Both of these are hydraulic fluids. You’ll want to check your owner’s manual to see if your vehicle, like some others, actually uses automatic transmission fluid in the power steering system.

What color is transmission fluid when it leaks?

Transmission fluid leaks will usually be

reddish brown in color

with a thin viscosity (new fluid) or brown with a thicker viscosity (old fluid). These leaks will typically be found near your car’s middle section.

How serious is a transmission fluid leak?

While it may not be especially dangerous to drive a vehicle that is leaking transmission fluid, it is not a good idea because the vehicle may not run properly. … A car leaking transmission fluid can be

caused by a leak

in the pan. This can happen through wear and tear over time.

How do I know if my car has a leak?

If the puddle of liquid is towards the front of your vehicle,

its source is probable the engine

. Dip your finger or a piece of paper towel into the liquid. If it is engine oil, the fluid will be brown or black, slick to the touch, and have a slightly burnt odor.

What color should car fluids be?

Inspect the fluid level, as well as its condition. It should be

amber or red in color

, and feel smooth. Like with other fluids, if it’s dark, cloudy, or gritty, it means there is a problem that needs to be inspected.

What does transmission fluid look like when it leaks?

Transmission fluid generally has

a red or brown color and is usually thick and slick like oil

. If you discover a red or brownish colored leak, your power steering or transmission system has a breach. You probably have a hole in a line or a transmission seal that needs to be repaired.

How much does it cost to fix a transmission leak?

If you have fluid leaking from your transmission, the typical cost to repair the leak (without taking off the transmission) is

between $150 and $200

. For this amount, you will get a replacement of the pan bolts, drain plugs, seals, gasket, fluid lines.

Is it OK to drive with a transmission leak?

While it is not especially dangerous to continue driving with a leaking transmission fluid, it can cause catastrophic damage to your engine. As soon as you notice your car is leaking transmission fluid, you should seek to

contact a certified mechanic

to have your transmission fluid serviced.

How long does it take to fix a transmission leak?

Transmission repair can take a full day but it will take at least

3 to 4 days

to rebuild a transmission.

Can a transmission leak cause the check engine light to come on?


Low Transmission Fluid

Your transmission fluid plays an important role in keeping the parts of the system lubricated. If the parts of the transmission are not properly lubricated, extreme friction can occur, which could result in damage. As a result, the check engine light can be triggered.

Can coolant leak when car is off?

So why would coolant leak from a car that is not running you may ask? Coolant can leak from a vehicle that is not running because when the engine is off,

the coolant is no longer under pressure and can pool in various places around the engine and can leak

.

Is it normal for car to leak?

There is a lot of different types of fluid that could be leaking, especially out of the front of your car where most of the fluids happen to be held. However, it is not

uncommon

to see water leaking from the front of the car, especially if you’re currently running your car’s AC.

How long can you drive with a leaking power steering fluid?

While there’s nothing that physically stops you from driving your car if you have a power steering fluid leak, once the level drops, your pump

runs dry

. This causes increased friction and heat and can quickly cause expensive damage.

How much does it cost to replace all fluids in a car?

Transmission Fluid Change Cost
Dealership


$150 to $250
Do it Yourself $40 to $90
Charlene Dyck
Author
Charlene Dyck
Charlene is a software developer and technology expert with a degree in computer science. She has worked for major tech companies and has a keen understanding of how computers and electronics work. Sarah is also an advocate for digital privacy and security.