Are you experiencing pink fluid leaking from car problem? There is no reason to worry because this article will explain why pink fluid is leaking from your car and where the leakage is coming from.
Are you aware that fluids in your vehicle have different colors? For example, the transmission liquid has a red color, while the coolant engine has an orange or green color, the fluid from the windshield washer is blue, etc.
The ability to know the different fluid colors and distinguish them properly is really important so that when fluid is leaking from your vehicle, the fluid color will help you indicate the cause of the issue.
If you observe a pink fluid leaking from car problem in your vehicle, now is the right time to learn what the issue is. This article will assist you in knowing the common causes and how to fix this issue.
Why Is Pink Fluid Leaking From Car?
If your vehicle leaks a pink fluid, it could either be transmission fluid, Coolant fluid, or fluid from power steering. A hole in the return line or worn seals is the main cause of these leakages.
Areas these pink fluids might leak from:
- Radiator: This is behind the front bumper.
- The power steering system: This is located on the side of a passenger’s seat.
- Water pump: In most vehicles, it can be found on the side of a passenger’s seat.
- Inverter cooling system or inverter: In a hybrid car, it is always on the side of the steering.
- The automatic transmission: This is located on the side of the vehicle steering.
How to Determine the Pink Fluid Leaking From Car
Determining the fluid leaking from your vehicle is an easy task that can be done by yourself.
1. Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)
The engine coolant has various colors, including pink and red. It flows around various engine components, keeping the engine’s temperature intact.
You will know the fluid leaking from the vehicle is an engine coolant if it has a sweet smell and water-like appearance and can be found under the engine or the radiator.
Examine your reservoir if you think you have a coolant leak in your vehicle (The coolant reservoir is a semi-transparent container with “low” and “high” markings under the bonnet).
If the coolant in the reservoir is not enough, go ahead and examine the radiator (The radiator is positioned beside the grill in front of the vehicle).
Do not open the radiator immediately after turning off your vehicle to avoid a blow-off of hot steams on your face or body.
You should see coolant fluid in your radiator after you take off the radiator cap, but if you don’t, this simply means the cooling system is leaking somewhere. Contact a professional to inspect the vehicle.
Coolant (Antifreeze) leak can be caused by the following:
- Corrosion of the radiator tubes
- A leak can be a result of damage due to road debris
- A hole in the radiator.
- The engine oil and coolant can mix or leak outside with the aid of a blown head gasket.
- Wear and tear on the sealing gasket.
- Brittle and hard worn-out hose.
2. Steering Wheel Fluid
What is a power steering fluid? Let’s say it’s a fluid that transmits power to the steering wheel, helping you move your vehicle easily. This particular fluid is always thick with a pink or red color.
It is easy to notice if power steering fluid is the pink fluid leaking from car, especially when you turn your wheel at low RPM or when you experience resistance during steering.
Some fluid traces can be found near the front bumper, mostly smelling like burnt oil.
The power steering wheel has a sealed system, and it’s difficult to leak, so if it starts leaking, take your vehicle to an automobile shop immediately.
Power steering fluid leak can be caused by the following:
- The form/mass of your vehicle’s seals and o-rings can be lost because of age.
- If there is a circulation of broken o-rings in the liquid because of mileage.
3. Transmission Fluid
Transmission fluid is the next fluid to consider after ruling out other fluids. If your car transmission fluid starts leaking, you will observe that it will begin to slip, and If ignored for a long time, your vehicle will stop functioning.
The transmission fluid colors are mostly dark red, red, or pink with a thick oil-like consistency.
You can confirm the problem by examining the transmission dipstick (the dipstick should have “maximum.” and “minimum” markings or two holes/lines at least).
Refill with more transmission fluid if the fluid is below the low marking. After a day or two, examine it again, and if it is below the low level, there is the possibility of leaking. Take the vehicle to a mechanic as soon as possible to avoid further issues.
A transmission fluid leak can be caused by the following:
- Debris on the road
- Faulty torque converter
- A crack on the pan gasket
- Not securing the pan properly after changing transmission fluid.
What to Do When Pink Fluid Leaks From Car
A fluid leak from a vehicle is a bad signal no matter the color. If you notice pink fluid from your vehicle, try to identify the particular kind of liquid and contact your mechanic or visit the nearest automobile shop.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix Pink Fluid Leaking From Car?
Fixing Power Steering Fluid Leak
The average cost of repairing a fluid leak from a power steering system is between $500 to $650. The particular part that is faulty will determine the specific price. The replacement may be for the whole system or a particular part.
Fixing Power Transmission Fluid Leak
Transmission fluid leak can be fixed with as low as $150 to replace the seal and $1,000 to get a new torque converter.
Fixing Coolant Leak
It will cost about $50 to replace the coolant if you do it yourself. Getting a mechanic to do the job will cost about $90, depending on your vehicle’s model and make. You will probably spend over $300 to $900 to replace your vehicle radiator.
Frequently Asked Questions – Pink Fluid Leaking From Car
What Fluid in Cars Is Pink?
An antifreeze. If you notice a pink, orange, or bright green liquid leaking from the vehicle, it is most likely an antifreeze. For safety reasons, an antifreeze leak indicates damage and should be fixed immediately because it is highly toxic.
What Color Is the Power Steering Fluid When It Leaks?
Power steering oil color spectrum ranges from light reddish-brown to brown, like transmission fluid. Although, it will leak close to the bonnet with a thin viscosity.
Is Pink Fluid Coolant?
Coolant leak is characterized by a green, yellow or pink color.
Why Is Transmission Fluid Pink?
When the transmission fluid is pink, it means there is the presence of engine coolant or water, and rather than performing its job, the transmission is damaged by the diluted liquid. Taking your car to a mechanic immediately is crucial if you notice pink fluid leaking from under your vehicle.
Is Pink Antifreeze Oily?
You will know the fluid is a coolant fluid leak if the color is pink, oily, and has the same consistency as water. On your radiator, there is a pipe that sometimes leaks from the vehicle’s engine.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Coolant Leak?
It will cost about $50 to replace the coolant if you do it yourself. Getting a mechanic to do the job will cost about $90, depending on your vehicle’s model and make. You will probably spend over $300 to $900 to replace your vehicle radiator.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Transmission Leak?
A Transmission Oil Leak Can Be Fixed With as Low as $150 for replacement of seal and $1,000 to get another torque converter.
What Does Pink Oil Mean?
When a pink or red fluid leaks from your vehicle, it means three things: either power steering fluid, transmission fluid, or engine coolant.
Can I Drive With a Transmission Fluid Leak?
Yes, you can drive your vehicle when the transmission fluid is leaking, though it is not advisable because your car will not drive as it should. Some factors you should consider when it comes to safety: A gap in the transmission system may be the simple reason your car is leaking.
Is It Ok to Drive With a Coolant Leak?
It is not safe to drive with a leaking coolant fluid because the coolant fluid will keep leaking over time, and it will lead to a rise in the engine temperature and cause overheating.
What Is the Pink Fluid in My Audi?
When a pink or red fluid leaks from your Audi, it means three things: power steering fluid, transmission fluid, or engine coolant.
Conclusion – Pink Fluid Leaking From Car
Fluid leaking from your vehicle is not a good signal, no matter the kind of fluid that leaks. If you are experiencing pink fluid leaking from car problem, we hope you will be able to know the issue with the help of this article.
Having your vehicle examined by a professional is very important to prevent further damage. We would be glad to hear about your experience. Kindly share your comments with us below.