On Sunday I gave Prudence (finally named) a thorough wash and wax on the white wheels. On Monday, I drove the car about 25 feet (into the garage) and afterward noticed there were a few drops of brake fluid (or what I assume was brake fluid--it was orange) on two of the wheels.

I haven't driven it since, but I was wondering if this is anything I should worry about.

Quinn

 

In general, brake fluid ANYWHERE other than in your brake lines and cylinders in cause for alarm. Brakes work on hydraulic pressure which requires a sealed system.

As a side issue, non safety-related, brake fluid is one of the best ways to remove car paint from a car. If you get brake fluid on your paint, do NOT rub it off. Wash only, very gently.

 

Disk brake rotors start rusting almost immediately when a car is washed. I suspect what you saw was some rotor rust which got washed off when some previously trapped water became untrapped when you moved the car - hence the orange color. btw, this very thin layer of rotor rust comes off quickly as you use the brakes.

 

>>Disk brake rotors start rusting almost immediately when a car is washed. I suspect what you saw was some rotor rust which got washed off when some previously trapped water became untrapped when you moved the car - hence the orange color. btw, this very thin layer of rotor rust comes off quickly as you use the brakes.

That explanation makes perfect sense. Thanks for the response. I'm glad it wasn't actually brake fluid since clearly that would have been an issue.

Quinn