What is your vehicle leaking??!!!

No matter how new, maintained, or reliable your vehicle is, one day you will have to deal with something leaking.  The many different types of fluids that our vehicles use come in a variety of colors and smells.  Depending what "color" you see on the ground under your vehicle will determine if you've got a serious issue or just some normal drainage.  So, how can you tell the difference?  That's why we are here and writing this blog, to help you!!  Take notice of the color and location of the fluid, so that you can figure out what could be the cause.

Clear fluid leaking from under your car, mostly located in the front, is water.  There are two possibilities for this leakage.  The first is if you've been running your air conditioner and you are seeing the condensation produced that has to go somewhere.  The other option is windshield washer fluid.  If you determine that it's not condensation and is washer fluid, this could be due to a crack in the fluid bottle.

If you notice brown or black fluid located front to middle of the vehicle this is more likely engine oil.  You may have to get a closer look or feel.  If the liquid feels slick and is hard to get off your fingers then it is oil.  Oil can leak from various spots such as the head gasket, oil filter, oil plug, oil pan and the timing cover.  During your process of elimination, check the engine oil level.  This could be a shoe-in to let you know if it is low.  
Some brake fluid and gear lube is also known to be a brown color.  The brake fluid, if leaking, will most likely be found by the wheels or brakes.  It will darker in brown and slick to touch.  The gear lube has a very potent, distinct smell that will tell you for sure.

A more reddish brown (sometimes pink) color fluid would possibly be your power steering fluid.  It usually has a slightly sweet, burnt smell and will be found under the front of the car near the steering rack or hoses.  

If you have fluid under the middle of the vehicle that is red or pink, you could be looking at a transmission fluid leak.  This fluid is odorless and can be verified by checking the fluid level.  

Besides engine oil, one of the most common leaks that we see is coolant/antifreeze.    This will be anything from yellow to a green puddle underneath the front (almost very front) of the vehicle. Coolant has a sweet smell and is slimy to touch.  The areas from which the leak could be from include the radiator cap, overflow tank, the water pump, or the coolant hoses.  

If you have determined that the puddle under your vehicle is something more than just a/c condensation or washer fluid, give us a call so we can further assist in the investigative process.  We are here to help ensure that your vehicle is reliable and continues to be for many years.  

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