After a long day at work, you walk out of to find a small puddle under your car. Don't freak out! Was it there before you parked? No. Did it rain? If no, your vehicle may be leaking something.
What now?
There are a few things you may want to take note of in order to identify what fluid is leaking. Use the chart below to help.
Location. Where under your vehicle is the puddle? Is it in the front, back or in the middle? Is it on the driver's side or the passenger's side? Your vehicle has many parts and knowing where it is leaking can help identify the fluid and where it is coming from.
Color. Another helpful clue is the color of the fluid. Is it brown, yellow, green? Some fluids have the same colors and knowing what color the fluid is can help narrow down the options.
Feel. If you are able to reach the fluid, lightly dab your finger in it. Use your thumb and index finger to rub together. What does it feel like? Is it slimy, thick or oily?
Smell. Before wiping off your hands, smell the fluid. All fluids have a distinct smell and can sometimes be the only factor you can rely on.
Any leak can be dangerous, not only for you and your vehicle, but for the other drivers and the environment. It is not recommended to drive with a leaking vehicle. If a leak is not resolved in a timely manner it can damage other parts of your vehicle and result in costly repairs. You should contact your mechanic as soon as possible to resolve these issues.
FUEL. A fuel leak will most likely be under or near the fuel tank, however there are times when the fuel will be leaking from a fuel line, which run almost the whole length of your vehicle. If you have a fuel leak, you will be able to smell gasoline (like when you're at a gas station) and the fluid will be clear. A fuel leak, even a small one, is hazardous, for you and for other drivers. DO NOT drive. You should contact your mechanic immediately.
Brake Fluid. A brake fluid leak can be just about anywhere under your vehicle, it can even be on the back side of the tire (under the car). Brake fluid can be clear or yellowish to brown in color and have a fish like smell. Brake fluid is oily and slick to the touch. A brake fluid leak means your vehicle may not stop when you push on the brake pedal and is dangerous. DO NOT drive your vehicle.
Coolant. A coolant leak will generally be located at the front of your vehicle. It can be green, yellow, orange or pink in color, depending on the type of coolant your vehicle takes. Coolant is slimy to touch and smells sweet. A coolant leak can be costly if not taken care of right away. A coolant leak can cause overheating and may cause your vehicle to shut off, even when you are driving. Do NOT drive your vehicle.
Transmission Fluid. A Transmission fluid leak will be generally be in the center of the vehicle or near the driver's side front. Transmission fluid is a pinkish red to brown color and smells like petroleum. It is oily to the touch (like brake fluid). A transmission fluid leak can cause a lot of damage if left unaddressed. Contact your mechanic before driving.
Engine Oil. An engine oil leak will be located in the center front of the vehicle. Many times engine oil will leak from the oil pan or oil drain plug. This thick, oily, slippery fluid smells a lot like cooking oil. Engine oil is brown to black in color. Like a transmission fluid leak, an engine oil leak can also cause a lot of damage if left unaddressed. Talk to your mechanic before driving.
Power Steering. Power steering fluid leaks tend to be located in the front part of the vehicle. Power steering fluid is oily, but thinner than engine oil and can be a pink or red to brownish color. It closely resembles the smell of burnt marshmallows. Sometimes a power steering fluid leak will be accompanied by a whining noise, especially when you are turning the steering wheel. A power steering fluid leak needs to be addressed as soon as possible, so it does not damage any other components. Talk to your mechanic before driving.
Windshield Wiper Fluid. Wiper fluid leaks will usually be located in the front part of the vehicle near the reservoir. The reservoir is the plastic jug-like container that you fill up with wiper fluid. Wiper fluid can vary in color (blue, green, pink, orange), is thin and watery, and smells like glass cleaner (i.e. Windex). Generally this type of fluid leak will not damage your vehicle, but it still needs to be repaired.
Do you have one of these leaks? Make sure you address it as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your vehicle.
If you need help, give us a shout!
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