Red
If you did not already know, your transmission fluid is supposed to be red. Over time it will change from a bright red to more of a brownish-black color. This is due to the natural process of picking up dirt and debris over time. That is why a transmission fluid flush is recommended every 60,000k miles. Picking up dirt is a slow process.
Amber
Many people don’t know this, but did you know that engine oil should be a bright amber color and liquid viscosity. Think of it as watery maple syrup. Over time this too picks up dirt from the air being sucked into the engine. This process happens a little faster and requires the engine oil and filter to be changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.
Black
Once the engine oil, however, gets too full of dirt, it will become a black tar-like sludge. At this point, you need an oil change asap, if not a whole new engine. Letting your engine oil get this clogged with debris and other contaminants will put your engine at serious risk of failure. An oil change every three months or so is more cost-effective than a new car payment.
Teal / Green
Every wonder what that blueish-green liquid was that was put in your car? That would be your car’s antifreeze. This allows the parts of your engine to not freeze during colder weather, and when mixed with water, generally 50:50, it keeps your engine cool as it is the main component in your engine coolant. It can come in many different colors, such as red, orange, yellow, pink, blue, and green, but generally, it is either a light blue or green color.
Blue
Last but not least is your windshield wiper fluid. This is often a light blue color, almost like a watery blue Gatorade. Do not drink the windshield wiper fluid. This is important since it allows you to remove those pesky bug guts from your windshield, along with clearing your windshield to improve visibility.
Bring your car by JTR Repair in Crawfordsville IN today and get your automobile fluids refilled. Give us a call today to set up an appointment. If your fluids are fine but you notice them on the ground, bring your vehicle by and let us inspect it and find that leak. We can get your car fixed and leak-free in no time.
