What is the red liquid in a car?
3 Answers
The red liquid in a car is antifreeze coolant. Here is an introduction to coolant: Introduction to coolant: Coolant, whose full name should be antifreeze coolant, means coolant with antifreeze function. Antifreeze can prevent the coolant from freezing and cracking the radiator and freezing the engine cylinder block when the car is parked in cold seasons. Functions of coolant: Winter antifreeze. In order to prevent the coolant from freezing and causing the water tank and engine block to crack after the car is parked in winter, the freezing point of the coolant should be about 10 degrees Celsius lower than the lowest temperature in the area, in case of sudden weather changes; Anti-corrosion. The radiator, water pump, cylinder block and cylinder head, water distribution pipe and other components in the cooling system are made of steel, cast iron, brass, copper, aluminum, solder and other metals. Due to the different electrode potentials of different metals, electrochemical corrosion is prone to occur under the action of electrolytes. At the same time, the acidic products formed after the decomposition of glycol substances in the coolant and the acidic exhaust gas after fuel combustion may also penetrate into the cooling system, promoting the corrosion of the cooling system. Corrosion of the cooling system will cause failures in the lower water chamber of the radiator, the nozzle sleeve, cooling pipes, joints and radiator pipes, while corrosion products will block the pipes, causing the engine to overheat or even break down. If corrosion perforation occurs, the coolant seeping into the combustion chamber or crankcase will cause serious damage, because when the coolant or water is mixed with engine oil, oil sludge and gum will be produced, weakening lubrication and causing valves, hydraulic valve push rods and piston rings to stick. Therefore, a certain amount of anti-corrosion additives are added to the coolant to prevent corrosion in the cooling system; Anti-scaling.
Last week while cleaning the garage, I noticed a puddle of red liquid on the ground. Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be transmission fluid leaking from my car. This red color is specifically dyed to be conspicuous, designed to help us car owners quickly identify potential issues. Automatic transmission fluid is extremely important for vehicles—it lubricates internal gears during gear shifts to reduce friction and prevent overheating damage. Leaks could be caused by aging seals or loose fittings. Ignoring it may accelerate transmission wear, and replacing one could cost tens of thousands. I learned this the hard way: years ago, I drove an old car with a leak but didn’t fix it promptly, resulting in a roadside breakdown with hefty towing and repair bills. Now, whenever I spot red stains under the car, I immediately check the transmission dipstick or visit a repair shop—early action saves both hassle and money. Remember, regular maintenance significantly reduces such problems. Details matter for safety; negligence isn’t an option. A car’s longevity depends entirely on daily upkeep.
If you notice red fluid residue on the ground after parking, don't take it lightly—it likely indicates an automatic transmission fluid (ATF) leak in your vehicle. The red color is specifically designed to help drivers quickly spot abnormalities while the engine is running. Fluid leakage means lubrication failure, which can cause the transmission temperature to rise, leading to gear shifting hesitation or even malfunctions. A sudden stall at high speeds is extremely dangerous. I once experienced a similar situation during a long-distance drive and was fortunate to detect it in time to pull over and check the fluid level. It's advisable to perform a simple ATF dipstick check monthly: after warming up the engine and parking on level ground, pull out the dipstick to ensure the fluid level is within the full range. For minor leaks, consult a professional to replace gaskets or tighten components; severe cases require immediate fluid replacement. Avoid delays that could trigger chain reactions of problems—spending a little now ensures safer and more worry-free travels. Safety comes first, and regular maintenance makes life smoother.
