• Find Us
  • Contact Us
  • Become a Customer
  • Pay Your Bill
logologologologo
(800) 366-0200
  • Fuels
    • Quality Fuel Products
      • Detergent Gasoline
      • BOSS Diesel
      • Renewable Fuels
    • Fuel Contracting
    • Wholesale Fuels
    • Fuel & Oil Analysis
    • Petro-Card 24
    • Credit Cards
    • Become a Customer
  • Propane
    • For Your Home
      • Furnaces & Boilers
      • Water Heating
      • Residential Generators
      • Appliances
      • Fireplaces
      • Outdoor Living
    • For Your Farm
      • Grain Drying
      • Irrigation
      • Poultry House Heating & Sanitation
      • Livestock Barn Heating
      • Agriculture Generators
    • For Your Business
      • Construction
      • Forklifts & Material Handling
      • Landscaping
      • Greenhouses & Nurseries
      • Commercial Heating & Cooking
    • Propane Programs
    • Tank Options
    • Tank Leasing & Maintenance
    • Propane Safety
    • Become a Customer
  • Oils & Lubricants
    • Motor & Engine Oils
    • Tractor, Transmission & Torque Fluids
    • Greases
    • Industrial Oils
    • Other Products
    • Limited Warranty Program
    • Fuel & Oil Analysis
    • Lube Advisor
  • Solar
  • Retail
    • Big O Tires
    • Break Time
    • Gift Cards
    • Credit Cards
    • Become a Customer
  • About Us
    • Co-op Membership
    • Community Involvement
    • Core Values
    • Sustainability Values
    • Board of Directors
    • Executive Team
    • News
  • Careers
    • Current Openings
    • Hiring Process
    • Corporate Offices
    • MFA Oil Field Locations
    • Break Time
    • Big O Tires
  • Become a Customer
    • Request More Information
    • Customer Agreement
  • Fuels
    • Quality Fuel Products
      • Detergent Gasoline
      • BOSS Diesel
      • Renewable Fuels
    • Fuel Contracting
    • Wholesale Fuels
    • Fuel & Oil Analysis
    • Petro-Card 24
    • Credit Cards
    • Become a Customer
  • Propane
    • For Your Home
      • Furnaces & Boilers
      • Water Heating
      • Residential Generators
      • Appliances
      • Fireplaces
      • Outdoor Living
    • For Your Farm
      • Grain Drying
      • Irrigation
      • Poultry House Heating & Sanitation
      • Livestock Barn Heating
      • Agriculture Generators
    • For Your Business
      • Construction
      • Forklifts & Material Handling
      • Landscaping
      • Greenhouses & Nurseries
      • Commercial Heating & Cooking
    • Propane Programs
    • Tank Options
    • Tank Leasing & Maintenance
    • Propane Safety
    • Become a Customer
  • Oils & Lubricants
    • Motor & Engine Oils
    • Tractor, Transmission & Torque Fluids
    • Greases
    • Industrial Oils
    • Other Products
    • Limited Warranty Program
    • Fuel & Oil Analysis
    • Lube Advisor
  • Solar
  • Retail
    • Big O Tires
    • Break Time
    • Gift Cards
    • Credit Cards
    • Become a Customer
  • About Us
    • Co-op Membership
    • Community Involvement
    • Core Values
    • Sustainability Values
    • Board of Directors
    • Executive Team
    • News
  • Careers
    • Current Openings
    • Hiring Process
    • Corporate Offices
    • MFA Oil Field Locations
    • Break Time
    • Big O Tires
  • Become a Customer
    • Request More Information
    • Customer Agreement

All News >> Digital Newsletters

Determining Leak Sources by Puddle Colors

November 21, 2022

Written By Adam Buckallew

FacebookTweetLinkedInPrintEmail

If you spot a puddle under your vehicle or equipment, you may have a fluid leak that requires your attention. Taking a closer look at the color and consistency of the puddle can go a long way in helping you diagnose the source.

You may see a rainbow of hues on the concrete floors of your garage or equipment shed. The following is a list of colors and the fluids they could indicate are leaking:

Clear – If the puddle is colorless, there are two primary possibilities: water or gasoline. Water commonly drains from air conditioning condensers. Large puddles may seem concerning, but the presence of water is normal and nothing to worry about. A quick sniff test can help you identify a gasoline leak.

Red – Transmission fluid is typically bright red when new and becomes reddish brown as it ages. It has a consistency like engine oil and is slick to the touch. Red puddles could signal that your vehicle has a transmission or power steering leak.

Blue – Windshield washer solution is the most likely source of any pools of blue liquid. Windshield washer solution has a consistency similar to water and smells like ordinary glass cleaner. You may have a cracked reservoir, brittle washer solution line or a leaky washer pump.

Green – There are a couple of fluids that come in green hues. Some windshield washer fluids are dyed green. If you have an older vehicle made in 2000 or before, it may use green antifreeze. Green engine coolant is formulated with Inorganic Additive Technology to protect the steel and copper components found in older vehicles’ cooling systems from rust and corrosion.

Browns and Blacks – Typically, brand new engine oil is a slightly translucent amber color that has the consistency of olive oil. Over time, the oil typically becomes darker and thicker as it collects dirt and combustion byproducts. If the liquid pooling under your vehicle is brown or black, thick and slippery, you may be dealing with an engine oil leak. You can top off your engine oil to prevent any issues to give yourself time to bring your vehicle in for an inspection.

If you are ever in doubt about the type of fluid that is leaking, contact the MFA Oil laboratory for assistance or visit a mechanic for an inspection.

View More Posts on Similar Topics:

  • Fluid Leaks
  • Lubricants
    MFA Oil Acquires Blue Flame Gas of Marthasville, Mo.
    Ten Tips to Conserve Propane If You Are Running Low

    Related Posts

    Hydraulic System Maintenance Tips
    Introducing Work Horse™ Lubricants
    Are You Following a Lubrication Program?

    FIND YOUR LOCATION

    MFA Oil Fueled
    MFA Oil’s Digital Newsletter
    Fueled Subscribe

    Receive Updates

    NEWS

    • Digital Newsletters
    • Press Releases
    • Momentum Magazine
    • Market Commentary

    CUSTOMER SERVICE

    • Become a Customer
    • Pay Your Bill
    • Customer Agreement
    • Gift Cards
    • Safety Data Sheets

    GIVING BACK

    • MFA Oil Foundation
    • MFA Foundation
    • Golf Tournament
    • Community Giving

    JOIN MFA OIL

    • Career Opportunities
      • UHC Transparency In Coverage
    • Selling Your Business

    Contact Us

    Copyright © 2022 MFA Oil Company. All rights reserved. Use of this website constitutes acceptance of our Privacy Policy.

    Share this ArticleLike this article? Email it to a friend!

    Email sent!