I drove from Boston to Cleveland for the holidays and there was a ton of snow when I showed up. When the snow melted there were several spots of thick tan fluid on the driveway. I couldn't find any leaks under the car or any spots that were wet and the leak (if this actually came from my car) has gone away.

Does anyone have any idea what this fluid might be?

If you pull the tranny dip stick and smell THAT....does the "thick tan fluid on the driveway" smell similar????

If you pull the tranny dip stick and smell THAT....does the "thick tan fluid on the driveway" smell similar????

I heard that the tranny fluid had a strong sulfur smell but this was odorless. Well, it was odorless an inch from my nose after 3 days on the driveway. The puddle was fairly large though (about 1' diameter) so if it still smells when cold I imagine I would have smelled it when it first fell.

Have you checked all your fluid levels? Check for not only the right amount, but for contamination as well.

Have you checked all your fluid levels? Check for not only the right amount, but for contamination as well.

I didn't check tranny or power-steering but brake fluid and engine oil levels and colors look normal.

What about coolant?

How about your clutch fluid reservoir? It sure sounds like you are describing brake/clutch fluid. (or could be power steering fluid, depending on brand)

Thanks for all the good suggestions. I'll check them at home tonight.

Is it possible for brake/clutch fluid to turn opaque from sitting out? This stuff was really wierd. Almost like a paste it was so thick and it wiped up without a trace with just a rag. I didn't think anything like would be in the car but I don't know what the elements would do to any of the fluids.