What’s Leaking From My Car?
If you have an old vehicle like me you may be wondering what’s leaking from it. Is it a cause for alarm or is it something not so important. My mechanic suggested the following to me and gave me some tips on what the different fluids might mean.
First, to capture exactly what’s leaking spread out some white butcher’s paper or even white posterboard underneath the car in the spot where the leak is happening. You will want to use a brick or rock to weigh it down. The white will show you the color of the liquid, an important clue as to what it is. If it just drops on the pavement, the dirt will usually make it black and harder to figure out.
Battery acid will have a distinct sulfur smell and will burn through your paper or cardboard. This means the battery is leaking and should be replaced ASAP. Be careful, the acid can cause burns.
Brake fluid will usually be clear with an almost watery texture. If you’re brakes are leaking get them repaired immediately.
Coolant or anti-freeze has a green or yellow tint with a sweet smell. It is tasty but toxic to pets so clean up any that’s spilled out. Look for loose hoses where the leak might be happening. This fix can be as simple as tightening a clamp. However, it you keep noticing this problem it may indicate a cooling system problem that you need to have fixed.
Gasoline is easily recognized by the smell. If you have a fuel leak this could indicate a number of problems that require a mechanics immediate attention. You don’t want your car to catch fire from such a leak.
Oil is thick and, of course, oily. A small leak isn’t surprising on an older vehicle although you may want to have it examined if you’re still under warranty. A large leak may indicate serious problems that need attention.
Power Steering and Transmission Fluid are usually the same fluid. It’s recognized by being a light, oily, and reddish. A leak here could mean serious problems so get it checked to determine the source.
Washer fluid is normally blue but sometimes comes in green. This liquid is usually also toxic to pets so clean it up.
Water, as long as it’s clear, is simple condensation from the air conditioning system, nothing to be worried about at all.
That covers the major ones I know about. Do you have any to add or any other ideas on watching out for problems with your vehicle? Leave me a comment and let me know.
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