Best Ways to Tell What Fluid is Leaking

Your car is a complicated machinery with many moving parts working simultaneously. It also needs many fluids to help it run smoothly, and sometimes they spill. Although finding a puddle underneath your car isn’t the end of the world, you still need to identify and fix the leak before it becomes a serious issue. Keep reading to learn more about your car’s fluids and find out how you can identify a leak’s source.

Overview of Common Vehicle Fluids

Discovering which fluids your car uses is the first step when trying to tell which one is leaking. The fluids you’ll find in most combustion-engine vehicles are:

• Engine oil: This is arguably the most important fluid in your car. It lubricates your engine’s components and prevents them from overheating by reducing friction.
• Transmission fluid: Similar to engine oil, transmission fluid lubricates your transmission components and prevents overheating.
• Coolant fluid: Even a well-lubricated engine will eventually overheat. Your car’s coolant absorbs excess heat and keeps your engine at a constant temperature.
• Brake fluid: Your braking system uses a special liquid to transmit the force you generate by pressing the brake pedal down to the brake pads or pistons.
• Power steering fluid: All modern vehicles have a special motor that makes it easier to turn the steering wheel. Power steering fluid keeps its components running smoothly.
• Windshield wiper fluid: Its name is pretty self-explanatory. Although windshield wiper fluid isn’t as important as the other fluids, having a dirty windshield can be a major safety hazard.

Identifying Fluid by Color and Consistency

You can determine the source of your leak by analyzing the fluid. This is what each fluid looks like:

• Clear: If the puddle is clear, you probably have nothing to worry about. It’s likely condensation build-up from your air-conditioning unit.
• Brown or black: The most probable source of a brown or black puddle is engine oil. Running out of oil can destroy your engine, so you better have someone look at it as soon as possible.
• Red or light brown: This is probably transmission fluid, red when new but tends to get darker as it ages. However, power steering fluid can have a similar color and texture, but you can tell which one is leaking by analyzing its location, which we’ll get into a little later.
• Light yellow to light brown: This is most likely brake fluid. Although it can have a brownish color similar to power steering or transmission fluid, it has a different consistency and is more slippery.
• Bright red, green, orange, or blue: If the fluid is brightly colored, it’s usually coolant. You can also tell by its watery consistency.

Location of the Leak

As you’ve noticed earlier, some fluids may have similar colors and textures. When this happens, the best way to identify it is by analyzing the leak’s location. This quick guide can help you do that:

Near the Front of the Vehicle

If the puddle is near the front of your vehicle, it’s probably engine oil. However, it could also be coolant or windshield wiper fluid. You can usually tell them apart by their color, as engine oil is darker than the other two. Also, windshield wiper fluid usually smells nicer than the coolant, making it easy to determine which one is leaking.

Your Exhaust Pipe

Most leaks from your exhaust pipe are usually due to water condensation and aren’t concerning issues. However, it could also be coolant fluid. The latter is slightly thicker and brighter, distinguishing it from plain water.

The Center of Your Vehicle

If the leak is deeper underneath your vehicle, a probable source is your transmission fluid. It could also be the power steering fluid, and since the two are similar in color and texture, it can be challenging to determine which one is leaking. The power steering fluid reservoir is usually on the left side, so this may give you a clue regarding the leak source.

Smell and Texture Tests

If the puddle’s color and location don’t give you enough info to determine its source, its smell and texture may help. For instance, coolant usually smells sweet, while transmission fluid smells similar to gasoline. The latter is also very slippery. However, it’s important to remember that some of these fluids may be toxic, so be careful not to ingest them when smelling or touching them.

Checking Fluid Levels

Determining your car’s fluid level may vary depending on its make and model, but you can follow some general guidelines. You can probably check your engine oil by using the dedicated dipstick on your engine block. Take it out when the engine is cold, clean it, and put it back again. It should have some markings to help you determine its current level.

Power steering, brake, and transmission fluids may have similar dipsticks or visible tanks with written measurements. Locate them underneath your hood and check their levels. The coolant tank also has a minimum and maximum level marker on it. It’s important to check them regularly or have a mechanic do it, as it can keep your car running smoothly for a long time.

When To Seek Professional Help

You should immediately call a mechanic if you can’t determine the source of the leak, even if you know which fluid is leaking. The issue may be a cheap hose or something similar, but if you don’t fix it on time, it will probably become more difficult and expensive to fix.

Have You Had Your Fluids Checked?

Making sure your car has enough fluids to run smoothly can keep you away from unpleasant surprises and expensive repairs. If you notice a leak, looking professionally at it is the best way to proceed. At Brewster Ford, our experienced mechanics are trained to identify and fix fluid leaks. Contact us today to schedule a service appointment.

Photo Credit: white and brown abstract painting by Jon Moore is licensed with Unsplash License

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