11/23/2021
What the Heck Is Leaking From My Car? 😧
Cars love having problems. 🚗🚗
The biggest problem is finding out the problem in the cheapest, and least problematic way possible. Hopefully, this post will give you some important insights on what your leaking problem may be.
Possible Fluid Leaks:
- Engine Oil
- Gas
- Transmission Fluid
- Water
- Antifreeze
- Brake Fluid
- Coolant
- Power Steering Fluid
- Windshield Wiper Fluid
Tips to Identify Fluid Leaks:
Engine oil is brown, black or amber in colour, slick to touch, and annoyingly difficult to get off your fingers. It is the most common type of fluid leak. If the puddle meets these requirements and is near the front of your vehicle, it's most likely engine oil.
Gas. It smells like gas (duh) and is not only expensive since your car is basically pi***ng out your hard earned money but can also cause some major damage. This is a very serious problem and should be immediately brought up to your mechanic.
Transmission fluid is red, more specifically dark red or can be pink, it is slick to touch and considered odorless. If you think your car is leaking transmission fluid, you can confirm it by looking for a leak near the middle or front of the car, specifically between the engine and the transmission.
Water looks, smells, and feels like water. If you don't know how to identify water, you're either not old enough to drive (or probably speak) or, you should take your leaky car down to the nearest body of water and drive into it, because there is likely no hope for you. It's the least worrisome fluid to be leaking from your vehicle. The most common causes are the windshield washing system and condensation from running your air conditioning, neither of which are issues. As long as you can confirm it is, you have nothing to worry about.
Antifreeze. It is usually red or green and is thinner than oil but the easiest trait to identify antifreeze is its sweet smell. Like engine oil, the source of an antifreeze leak is usually in the front part of your vehicle, close to the engine. It may also leak from your exhaust pipe.
Brake fluid is light or dark brown and is slick and slippery to touch. It can be in a number of places but will likely be under/near the wheels or in the general area of the brakes. If you identify it as being brake fluid do not drive your car as you run the risk of not being able to brake. Braking is vital to your physical and mental well being. Brake fluid leaks are quite rare but very serious.
Coolant comes in yellow, pink and green and is usually quite easy to identify because of its distinct color. If you still feel unsure it has a very slimy feel and a somewhat sweet smell. It may leak from the radiator, its overflow tank, hoses, or the water pump.
Power steering fluid will be reddish or even brown and can have a slightly sweet but burnt odor to it. Most commonly it is found under the front end of your vehicle, specifically near the steering rack or the hoses attached to the power steering reservoir. You should check the fluid level and add some more if necessary.
Windshield wiper fluid will also be found near the front end. It will be brightly coloured usually purple, blue or green and is the same consistency as water, remember that stuff? It does not affect your car's ability to operate. You should check the reservoir to confirm and replace any lost fluid.
Follow our page for more automotive content and great deals on cars!
*This advice should not be used in place of a licensed mechanic’s expertise. It is merely an informative, troubleshooting post to hopefully save you some time and teach you something new!*
Best Wishes! 😁
- Apples2Oranges 🍎🍊
