Taste is a check too. With paper towel or napkin, a small amount on tip of little finger- apply to tongue.... if it tastes bitter, - it is antifreeze, - wipe it off tongue as well as possible. Don't worry it won't kill you!
Does it need water often? If so it could be a bad waterpump, - check underneath -- there is a weep hole - if pump going bad then water will drip there. If it is power steering fluid, - it will be needing fluid frequently. This oil wil be very thin (almost like water) oil will be "reddish, or maroonish" in color (transmission fluid too). Engine oil will be thicker and sort of coffee to blackish color depending on how dirty it is! Engine oil can generally be stopped from leaking by using "No Leak", which is available at WalMart and other places! Leakage on transmission can sometimes be stopped with products available at auto supply stores, also Lucas makes a good product that seals PS pump seals pretty well, -- but of course chemicals can only do so much, and totally ruined seals do not "repair" with anything-- except replacement!
