Fluid leaks are never a good sign for your car. The trouble is that these leaks are often small and barely noticeable, slowly creating a puddle underneath your car. These car fluid leaks can eventually lead to brake failures, steering problems, and even engine failure. However, leaks are a common vehicle issue and are easily repairable if addressed early, especially if you have an auto protection plan. To be able to fix the situation, you must figure out where the leak is and what type of fluid the vehicle is leaking.
You can tell what part of the car is leaking by looking at the color consistency of the leak. Here are a few common ways to identify different parts from which car fluid leaks occur:
Engine Oil Leaks
Engine oil doesn’t often create a puddle underneath the car. If it does, the damage is serious and needs immediate fixing. Engine oil is brown or yellowish, but it can be darker if it’s older. If you haven’t changed the oil for a while, it might appear black. Engine oil is also greasy and doesn’t seep into the ground quickly. Engine fluid has a gassy smell that might help differentiate it from other types of leaks.
An engine oil leak could start from deterioration of gaskets. It might also be an indication that the oil pans are leaking. Incorrect placement of oil filters, high oil pressure and oil seal degradation might also cause engine leaks.
Transmission Fluid Leaks
Transmission fluids are either pink/reddish or brown. If you suspect a transmission fluid leak, find the placement of your vehicle’s transmission to visually inspect it. Top up your transmission fluid and check in three days to establish if there is an abnormal reduction. Transmission fluid seeps easily into the area it leaks due to its low viscosity. It will create a red stain with a pink halo on white paper.
Coolant Leaks
Coolant leaks form watery green, red, blue, or yellow puddles under the radiator of your car. The coolant leak’s color depends on your antifreeze solution’s color. Coolants have a distinct odor if you are uncertain about the color. Additionally, coolant leaks are likely to create stains between the coolant reservoir and the radiator, the engine and the radiator, as well as the exhaust pipe and the engine. This is because of the extensive nature of the cooling system. A coolant leak could damage the radiator or the radiator hose.
Steering Fluid Leaks
Steering fluid leaks commonly occur near the front bumper on the driver’s side. This type of car fluid leak is one of the most difficult to identify because the appearance is not distinct. Some drivers use transmission fluid, which could create an illusion of a transmission fluid leak.
If you use an actual steering fluid, check its color and compare it to the leak’s color. It could be red, clear, and pink, but it’s always oily. Resistance in your steering wheel (it’s hard to turn the wheel) might also be an indication of leaking steering fluid. Assess the steering hoses and the steering fluid reservoir to see if the leak arises from any of the steering connection points.
Brake Fluid Leaks
Brake fluids are either transparent or yellowish. The brake system’s connection to the tires might cause a leak to appear on or near the tires. Leakage in the brake fluid might lead to brake failure and must be attended to with urgency.
Get an Auto Protection Plan Today
Leaks can often damage your car, costing you more than a simple repair. If you have an auto protection plan from Everything Breaks, you will be able to contact our team to schedule vehicle service quickly. Learn more about our auto protection plans today!
