Here's how to spot your car's fluid leaks and what each color means

Your car's dashboard is full of warning lights you may not be familiar with. But they keep you updated on the status of several vital fluids your car needs to keep running in tip-top shape.

"One of the most important aspects of vehicle care is maintaining proper fluid levels and condition," AutoZone said in a website post.

"They’re the lifeblood of vehicle systems, making sure it operates safely and efficiently, from engine performance to brakes and steering to even keeping the windshield clean," the post continued. "And what keeps expensive car repairs away is paying close attention to when the fluids are due to be changed."

Keeping up-to-date on car fluids is especially important because with new cars costing nearly $50,000 on average, Americans

are keeping their cars longer than ever. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says the average age of a car on U.S. roads is almost 13 years old, and of course the older cars get, the more of a challenge it is to keep them well-maintained.

With that in mind, the USA TODAY Cars team took look at tips from AutoZone and AAA for spotting the most common fluid leaks and what each color means so you can catch any potential problem before it balloons into a larger issue that require could a costly repair.

1. A/C and exhaust condensation leak

• Color: Clear
• Texture: Watery
• Smell: Odorless
• What the experts say: AAA said condensation leaks are perfectly normal. But the group warned "the only cause for concern would be if the water is leaking onto the driver’s or passenger’s feet inside the vehicle. If this occurs, it would be worth getting your A/C system checked out."

2. Washer fluid leak

• Color: Blue, green, purple, yellow or orange, depending on washer fluid type
• Texture: Thin and watery
• Smell: Similar to glass cleaning products such as Windex.
• What the experts say: AAA said "without fluid in the reservoir, you will not be able to effectively clean your windshield which could cause visibility issues, especially during adverse weather conditions."

3. Fuel leak

• Color: Clear
• Texture: Thin and watery
• Smell: Like gas
• What the experts say: AAA said "Driving with a fuel leak is dangerous for both you and the environment. A simple spark is all it would take to ignite the fuel trail and engulf the vehicle in flames."

4. Coolant leak

• Color: Green, orange, pink, yellow, red, blue, or clear, depending on the type of coolant used.
• Texture: Slippery or oily
• Smell: Sweet like syrup
• What the experts say: AutoZone said "engine coolant, or antifreeze, does what it sounds like it would do: it cools your engine. Without it, the engine would overheat and seize." So a leak should be addressed immediately.

5. Oil leak

• Color: Black or brown
• Texture: Thick and oily
• Smell: Burnt aroma that is similar to used cooking oil.
• What the experts say: AAA said "it is perfectly normal for oil to leak in minute amounts, but if you end up with a large puddle or find yourself consistently low on oil, it is imperative to resolve the issue – FAST!"

6. Transmission fluid leak

• Color: Red or brown
• Texture: Thick
• Smell: Like gas
• What the experts say: AAA said "transmission replacements are costly repairs, so transmission leaks should be taken very seriously if you want to avoid a larger expense."

7. Steering fluid leak

• Color: Red, pink or brown
• Texture: Thin
• Smell: Like burnt marshmallows
• What the experts say: AAA said "if the fluid levels drop too low, steering will become extremely difficult. If you suspect that you have a steering fluid leak, you should take your vehicle to your mechanic immediately."

8. Brake fluid leak

• Color: Clear, light brown or light yellow
• Texture: Slippery and slimy
• Smell: Like fish
• What the experts say: AAA said "if you notice a fishy-smelling yellow liquid coming from your vehicle, then you should not wait to address the issue. As your vehicle loses brake fluid, it loses its ability to stop."

Keith Laing is an automotive reporter on the National Trending Desk at USA TODAY. Contact Keith at [e-mail]. 

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Here's how to spot your car's fluid leaks and what each color means