What color indicates a coolant leak in your vehicle?

The correct answer is green or orange, as these colors are commonly associated with antifreeze or coolant fluids found in vehicles. Coolants are used to manage engine temperatures, and they often have vibrant colors to make leaks easily identifiable. Green typically indicates traditional ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, while orange may pertain to newer organic acid technology (OAT) coolants. Detecting these colors under or around the vehicle can alert a driver to a potential coolant leak, which is crucial for engine health and operational safety.

In contrast, black fluid usually indicates oil, and purplish fluids may stem from other potential vehicle systems, while red is often associated with transmission fluid. Recognizing the correct color can help in diagnosing issues and taking timely actions to prevent serious vehicle damage.