My car was leaking a light reddish fluid (there was a whole puddle going on) and there was smoke coming from the front of the vehicle.?

Question

This just happened - I didn’t notice much of any changes in how the car was handling or loss of control or anything.

Answer 1

Transmission

Answer 2

That is headlight fluid - go to your local auto parts store and ask them where they keep their headlight fluid.

Answer 3

Quit driving it immediately and check the ATF level. Check the ATF cooler hoses for leaks.

The transmission will need replacing if it's started to slip already.

Tow it to a repair shop if you can't fix the leak at home on your own.

Answer 4

Did something bounce up from the road you ran over and hit under the car? I would immediately inspect the automatic transmission cooling lines and connections going to the transmission cooler located in the engine radiator for leaks or damage. Make sure you keep the transmission fluid level up or driving it could cause damage if run low on transmission fluid. Power steering fluid can also sometimes have a rose-brown color. Find the wet hose and follow it to the source. The leak is most likely by the exhaust system and dripping on the hot exhaust parts.

Answer 5

It could be brake fluid transmission fluid or radiator coolant, try to see where its leaking from

Answer 6

Those are typically two different problems. The fluid was probably transmission fluid, and the smoke (technically steam) was overheating. Did the temp gauge increase? That's an important detail. Check both your transmission fluid levels and coolant levels. Your manual will show you how. Maybe you can just fill it up with coolant and drive normally, as long as it doesn't overheat again. As far as the transmission, fill that up too, drive around, and keep a close eye on it. If it continues to leak, take it to a transmission place.

Answer 7

Examine the fluid to tell if it's engine coolant or if it's automatic transmission fluid. Engine coolant leaks usually are concurrent with engine overheating and the appearance of a lot of steam.

Answer 8

IT'S NOT SMOKE, DUMBASS, IT'S STEAM. Your car overheated. Get a clue. FAIL

Answer 9

Light red fluid is typically transmission fluid.

Answer 10

rnaybe you should have a rnechanic check it out

Answer 11

A hint from the wise (me, a lifelong mechanic):



Whenever you discover a "whole puddle" if anything, leaking from YOUR car, you temporarily discontinue your travel plans. You properly check your fluids (engine oil, transmission fluid, engine coolant).



Engine oil, when fresh, is golden colored, turningbprogressively darker brown, then black with ago.



Automatic transmission fluid has historically been a pinkish/reddish color that gets brownish with extreme age, and black when your transmission is worn out and slipping.



Engine coolant has been several colors over the decades: gteen, orange, yellow, even blue.



With a sudden large leak, you check these fluids. Each is done in a particular way.



Engine oil: engine off for several minutes parked on level ground.



Auto trans: engine idling, engine hot, parked on level ground.



Engine coolant: best checked cold, but recently driven, with care if opening the radiator cap.



Summertime use of the a/c produces a lot of water, if humid out.

Answer 12

That's transmission fluid. How long has it been since that was checked or changed? If you had lost brakes or power steering, you would have noticed THAT.



You may have to have the transmission replaced.