Car Leaks: Where and What it Might Be

Car Leaks: Where and What it Might Be

Car leaks are an obvious sign that something is not right with your car. Parts could be failing due to rust, salt or age. Or there could have been damage, such as from a rock, a hard impact like hitting a pothole, etc.

Most people notice leaks in their driveway or in a parking lot. Before you use your car again, it’s important to confirm that it is in fact your car that is leaking. Grab a flashlight to see if you notice any dripping or wet hoses, pipes or other engine components. Another trick is to slide a piece of paper or cardboard under your car’s engine to try and catch new drops.

If you can confirm a leak on your own, the next step is to note the color of the liquid. That can help determine what kind of leak you have and what you can tell your mechanic when setting up your appointment.

Red

If you have red fluid leaking from you car, it could either be your transmission fluid or your power steering fluid. In this case, you should call your mechanic as operating your vehicle may be dangerous or damaging to your car.

Orange

Orange can be caused by old transmission fluid or a radiator leak, especially in an older car where rust might be present. Again, a bad seal on a transmission can be serious and you should consult your mechanic before driving your vehicle.

Yellow

Radiator fluid is yellow and might be leaking form a damaged hose or seal. A faulty radiator can mean an overheated car if you drive it for too long. Proceed with caution and get your car to a mechanic for a proper evaluation.

Green

Green fluid can likely be antifreeze, which signals issues with your water pump or any of the various hoses or clamps that antifreeze travels through.

Blue

Windshield wiper fluid is blue and can eventually leak from the reservoir or tubes after years of degradation. So long as you can see through your windshield, you should be OK driving your car but you should have your components looked at and replaced if you get this type of leak.

Brown

Brown fluid can come from a couple places, and neither is very good. First, brake fluid is often brown. If your brake fluid is leaking, you will have trouble braking. It can also be your motor oil. Without the proper amount of oil, your car risks overheating and potentially seizing, which is typically catastrophic to a car. If you see brown liquid, call your mechanic before you drive it again.

Clear

If the fluid you see is clear then you’re likely in the clear! Clear fluid under your car is typically condensation from your air conditioning unit, and should not be concerning at all. If you believe there is something wrong, however, it’s always wise to have your air conditioning unit checked out just to be sure.

With the exception of clear fluid, any lead coming from underneath your car is a symptom of a bigger program under your hood and you should contact your mechanic and discuss potential issues as soon as possible.

In most cases, car leaks can be prevented with proper, regular maintenance. Visual inspections during routine visits can root out damaged seals, clamps, hoses or reservoirs. Damage is less common and unfortunate when it happens. In either case, your local mechanic can diagnose the issue, explain the culprit and make the repair to get you back on the road.

If you have a car leak, call BBack Car Care. Our team can confirm the source of the leak and make the repair. Our team can also check for signs of wear and tear that can lead to a leak, keeping you safe on the road loving your car.

To make an appointment, fill out an online appointment request or give us a call today.