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Pink Puddle Alert: Transmission or Steering Trouble Ahead

Spot a red or pink puddle under your car? That’s not Kool-Aid. That’s transmission or power steering fluid bleeding out. Both are bad news if ignored.

Why It Happens

Most automatics and plenty of power steering systems run on red or pink fluid. It’s hydraulic juice — makes gears shift smooth and steering stay light. When seals, hoses, or coolers fail, it drips onto your driveway. Leave it, and you’re shopping for a new transmission or rack.

One catch: some cars use pink coolant. Easy test — dab it with a tissue. ATF feels slick and oily, coolant feels thin and watery.

Most Common Culprits

  • Transmission pan gasket or drain plug — leaks straight down.
  • Cooler lines — cracked hoses weep under pressure.
  • Radiator trans cooler — leaks mix with coolant (big trouble).
  • Power steering hoses/pump — drips near the front of the engine bay.
  • Front/rear transmission seals — bigger job, bigger bill.

What You Can Check

  • Smell it — ATF has a sweet, sharp smell.
  • Check location — middle of car = transmission, front = steering.
  • Pop the dipstick (if fitted) — fluid should be pink/red, not brown/burnt.
  • Look at steering reservoir — low fluid = steering leak.

What a Mechanic Will Do

  • Pressure test cooler lines and seals.
  • Inspect transmission pan, gaskets, and plugs.
  • Check radiator for cooler leaks into coolant.
  • Power steering pump and line inspection.

Rough Damage to Your Wallet

  • Transmission pan gasket: $200–$400.
  • Cooler line replacement: $150–$300.
  • Radiator with built-in cooler: $500–$1,200.
  • Power steering pump: $400–$700.
  • Transmission seal replacement: $800–$1,500+.

When to Park It

A few drops? Monitor and top up. A growing puddle or slipping transmission? Park it. Run low on ATF or steering fluid, and you’re looking at a four-figure repair.