Your car depends on different types of oils and fluids to run smoothly. When these leak, it won’t be long before you start having car problems. Identifying them early and learning what they mean can help prevent unnecessary breakdowns and protect the vehicle from further damage.
Motor Oil Leaks
Motor oil is vital to your engine. It helps different parts lubricate so they operate efficiently. When oil leaks, it causes friction among engine parts resulting in exhaust smoke, strange noises from your engine, unusual odors, and a decline in your vehicle’s performance.
How to tell if your oil is leaking
An oil leak will form a visible puddle under your vehicle. It can be light or dark brown in color, but in some instances, black or even yellow. This puddle forms wherever the car has been parked for a fairly long time.
What to do
Unfortunately, oil leaks need to be handled by a professional mechanic and can be quite costly. In future, take preventative measures like changing your oil often (especially after long-distance drives) and using quality oil. Consult an auto repair shop rep to find out if you are using the right oil for your car.
Coolant Leaks
The purpose of antifreeze is to regulate the temperature of your engine. Without it, your car will start to overheat, and driving it any further will cause significant damage.
How to tell if your coolant is leaking
Coolant or antifreeze is often brighter in color. It can be a puddle of yellow, orange, pink, green, or blue substance with a sweet smell. One other common symptom of insufficient coolant is engine overheating.
What to do
You can check coolant levels yourself by finding the reservoir tank of your car in the manual. If there is some coolant already there, you can top it up. If the tank is totally empty, it is advised to mix 50% antifreeze with 50% water. If you have not done this before, ask experts at an auto repair shop for a quick tutorial.
Refilling coolant is only a temporary solution, however. Your car will need further servicing to repair the cause of the leak. It is wiser and more cost-effective to have a leak repaired than waste money buying extra antifreeze and putting your car at risk of permanent damage.
Transmission Oil Leaks
Transmission oil is important to all those parts of your car that help you control the power coming from the engine. These include the gearbox, clutch, and accelerator. A problem with transmission can make the car very difficult to control while driving.
How to tell if transmission oil is leaking
Transmission oil leaks can be red or brown in color. It usually leaks from under the middle of the car and can be thick and sweet-smelling. You may notice it on the ground of your garage or any place the car is parked overnight or for an extended period of time.
What to do
Transmission oil leaks should be taken seriously given the potential danger they can cause and the high cost you might pay for repairs if left unattended. As soon as you can, ask a mechanic to do an inspection and take the opportunity to learn how to maintain oil levels yourself in future.
Brake Fluid Leaks
The danger of brake fluid leaks is very obvious. Without enough brake fluid, you may not be able to stop the vehicle. You also run the risk of damaging the car’s other components.
How to tell if brake fluid is leaking
Brake fluid leaks are tricky to identify because their color can range from clear to yellow or brown. It is likely to be thin and oily in texture. It usually pools under the passenger side of the car and around the wheels. Use your car’s manual to find the master cylinder and inspect that general area.
What to do
Brake fluid leaks should be repaired urgently. Because replacing the fluid will not do much to stop leaks in future, you need to take the car to the auto shop. If you feel a difference in your brake pedals or your car has trouble stopping, get help immediately. Stop driving the vehicle as soon as possible.
Water Leaks
Everything from the exhaust system to the A/C uses water. This is why water leaks are so common. Water can leak from many parts of the car – inside and out. These leaks have many causes and while most are relatively easy to fix, others can be a symptom of a larger issue with your vehicle.
How to tell if water is leaking
Water commonly leaks from the exhaust or the tailpipe. It may also form wet spots on the ground anywhere under your vehicle. To make sure, grab a piece of tissue and dab it in the liquid. If it is a clear color and odorless, it is likely just water.
Water leaks inside the car can cause condensation on the doors, windows, windshield, and sunroof. This is likely water from the environment that enters through loose or damaged weatherstripping.
What to do
If the water pools under your car (and you have confirmed it is indeed just water and not oil), the source is likely the air conditioning system. In this case, you can continue driving the car safely, as the AC is designed to drain water that collects in its system. If it becomes alarmingly frequent, ask a mechanic to check if the system is clogged or perhaps dry.
Your car’s exhaust can also leak water. If it is only a little water, it is not a cause for concern. However, if accompanied by smoke and/or a strange smell, it may be a sign of a bigger car problem, most likely caused by faulty pistons. See a mechanic.
Power Steering Leaks
If you have trouble turning the wheels of your car while driving, the cause could be a power steering leak. In addition to difficulty steering, you might hear a faint or low-sounding noise when trying to turn.
How to tell if power steering fluid is leaking
Like transmission oil, power steering fluid can be red or brown in color. However, it usually drips and collects towards the front of the car and not in the middle. If the leak occurs at the same time as steering issues, it is easier to distinguish.
What to do
The best solution to a power steering leak is to report it to a professional in time and fix it before it becomes worse. Early detection and repairs can save you from paying much more in the long run.
It is good practice for drivers to pay attention to any fluids leaking from their vehicles. Use a tissue to dab and identify the liquid according to its color and viscosity. Remember that refilling oils might resolve the problem in the short term, but the cause of the leak needs to be repaired professionally to avoid serious car issues in the long term.
