Six Common Fluid Leaks in Your Car
Fluid leaking from your car, truck, or utility vehicle is nerve-wracking and, in some cases, makes it dangerous to drive your automobile. Don’t worry. Marks Auto Service knows how to track down the sources of automotive fluid leaks and get them repaired. Here are six common auto leaks we fix all the time.
1. Water
If you’ve ever seen a puddle under your car that looked like water, you were probably right. Condensation from the cooling system usually collects at the lowest point and causes a puddle right under your car. It’s understandable if that makes you a bit nervous, though, especially if the puddle seems bigger than usual. Water is nothing to worry about, however, unless it freezes in your engine.
2. Coolant
Coolant, also called antifreeze, is a big part of keeping your car from overheating. It’s typically red, yellow, bluish-green, or green in color. Sometimes coolant might look orange or have orange flakes floating around in it. This is bad because it means your radiator’s bottom has rusted through. Pools of coolant under your car are a big cause for concern. Don’t try to drive your automobile.
3. Oil
Engine oil is another common fluid leak. This typically comes from the engine block, but it can also be a leak from the oil pan, seal, or pan gasket. This one is an important leak to track down quickly because oil leaks mean your car’s engine isn’t getting what it truly needs from the oil, which is lubrication and cooling. Your engine will die in less than a half-hour if there is not oil circulating through the engine.
4. Fuel
Fuel leaks are more common than most people think. The most common place you’re going to see fuel leaks is under the gas tank, which can mean that there are issues with the tank itself or with fuel lines leading out from the tank. Gas leaks under the front of your car may indicate a problem with the fuel pump. Leaking fuel can affect engine performance and be dangerous if it ignites.
5. Brake Fluid
Your car’s brakes rely on brake fluid to help apply hydraulic pressure when the calipers apply the brake pad to the rotor. Too little hydraulic pressure means that the brake pads can’t connect to the rotor well enough to stop your car. Your brakes might fail completely. Brake fluid is oily and is most likely to show up near the affected wheel. It is also light brown to dark brown in color.
6. Transmission Fluid
Finally, transmission fluid flows through the transmission to help lubricate the gears as they move against each other. Healthy transmission fluid is translucent red or light brown, but it’s still not good to see any under your car. If your transmission fluid is dark and opaque or is bright pink, that’s a big problem and your transmission needs servicing right away.Notice a new leak? Contact us at Marks Auto Service in Loves Park, Belvidere, Roscoe, and Rockford, IL, so we can track down the cause of that leak and get it repaired for you.
