CONTENTS
- Understanding Your Car’s Leaks
- Step One Know the exact location of the leak
- Step Two Determine the fluid’s color, consistency, and smell
- Final Word
- Also Read
It's hard to understand car leaks at first. But the good news is that they leave trails that allow you to recognize what's really going on.
Understanding Your Car’s Leaks
There are four things to consider when diagnosing what’s dripping from your car: location, color, smell, and consistency.
Step One Know the exact location of the leak
You can learn the exact source of the leak by placing pieces of white cardboard, bond paper, or aluminum foil under the front, middle, or back part of your car. This is important, since it will give you an idea where the fluid is dripping from and what color and consistency it has.
Don’t use your car for a day, and make sure to park it on level ground. Let the cardboard, foil, or pieces of paper stay there overnight.
The next day, check for spots, and note the exact location. This will give you an idea where the leak is coming from.
Step Two Determine the fluid’s color, consistency, and smell
Once you know the location, then check out the table below to diagnose the possible problem:
[table id=1 />
ENGINE OIL / MOTOR OIL
Light Brown to Black
(Semi-Thick to Thick and Slippery)
Smells like: Cooking oil
It’s not really that serious if you find a little engine oil drip, but if you can smell burning oil while driving, or the drips on the ground smell gassy with a "cooking oil" smell, then it might be an engine oil leak.
This becomes all the more true if you check the engine oil dipstick and the oil is under the low level mark. The level should be in between the top and low levels, and if it isn’t, then something’s wrong.
Don’t drive when your car has a low engine oil level, or there’s a huge puddle of oil slowly seeping out from your car's engine. If you do, then you risk damaging your vehicle. Have a mechanic inspect your engine right away.
FUEL
Light Gold / Amber (Gas);Light Gold / Amber withBluish Tint (Diesel)
(Thin and Watery)
Smells like: Gasoline
Both gas and diesel look clear when they drip on the ground, although with diesel, there’s a slight bluish tint that you see when viewed in some angles. Fuel leaks are easy to spot because of their smell. You should be familiar with it whenever you gas up your car.
Remember: Just because the fuel tank is at the rear side doesn’t mean it will just leak near that location. A car’s fuel tank can run from the fuel tank to your car’s engine, so don’t be surprised if you see leaks everywhere.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Reddish / Pinkish / Brown
(Thin or Thick)
Smells like: Petroleum
Often, these leaks are the result of a worn-out seal or a hole somewhere in the return line. One early indicator of an automatic transmission leak is when your car is revving up but it’s not going into any gear. There's also a petroleum with a hint of fishy odor when you smell it.
Note that the leaks may not always be at the front. In some cases, they can also be at the middle part of your car. Automatic transmissions use transmission fluid, while manual vehicles use gear oil. Check you car’s manual to see the proper way of checking for this fluid, since manufacturers have their own way of doing this.
POWER STEERING FLUID
Reddish or Light Brown
(Thin and Oily)
Smells like: Burnt Marshmallow
It almost looks like a transmission fluid, but unlike a power steering fluid, the transmission fluid can also be seen in the middle portion of your vehicle.
Some power steering fluid almost look yellowish-brownish, and has a medium thickness. But the typical ones are thin in consistency. Whatever the case, the first thing you need to do is check the power steering reservoir. The level should be in between the high and low markings. If not, then there could be a problem.
Other signs to look out for: you hear a whining noise when you’re turning the steering wheel, especially when you're driving on tight corners or low acceleration. There's also a burnt marshmallow with a hint of fish-oil smell to it.
BRAKE FLUID
Clear to Brown
(Slick / Slippery / Medium thickness)
Smells like: Fish oil
This is one of the most dangerous leaks that you shouldn’t take for granted. Usually slippery than an engine oil or transmission fluid, brake fluids can increase the force of your foot when you press down on the brake pedal, and even losing a small amount while you’re driving can affect how well your brakes will work. Sothis is something that needs to be repaired right away.
Brake fluids often smell like fish oil.
COOLANT
Yellow, Pink or Green [Depends on the manufacturer>
(Slimy and Greasy)
Smells like: Sweet, like Maple Syrup
The coolant is easy to identify, since it's often brightly-colored yellow or green. And they smell sweet, like candy or maple syrup.A little coolant drip can be harmless for old cars, since they will only indicate that you need to add a bit more to the reservoir. However, if your car is a new model and is leaking a lot, then it's a bad sign.
Oftentimes, coolant leaks can be found behind the grill of a vehicle — where your radiator is located. Still, there’s a possibility that you’ll find them leaking some place else, since some coolant hoses are in the passenger compartment as well.
Best thing to do first is to check the coolant overflow tank, and see if the level is below the low-level marking. You can also let your engine cool first, and peer inside your radiator. If there isn’t any brightly-colored liquid there, then your coolant is probably low.
Remember: Don’t drive low on coolant. You don’t want your engine to overheat while you’re in the middle of a highway.
WATER
Clear
(Thin and Watery)
Smells like: Odorless
When you find water leaks on your car, then suspect it’s your air conditioner. This is especially true if the weather is humid, hazy, and hot.
Air conditioners work by removing the moisture from the air in the passenger compartment, and often this moisture becomes water that gets drained down through a rubber hose under your car.Aircon hoses are located differently, so don't be surprised to find leaks everywhere in your car.
So don’t panic when you see a huge pool of water on the concrete. This might just mean that the weather is extremely humid, and the air conditioner is working double time to drain the moisture it’s taking inside the vehicle.
WINDSHIELD WIPER
Blue / Green / Pink/ Purple / Orange [Depends on the manufacturer>
(Thin and Watery)
Smells like: Glass Cleaner
Just like your coolant, it's easy to spot a windshield wiper -- just look for a brightly colored blue, purple or green fluid. Check your windshield wiper fluid reservoir together with the tubes that carry it for signs of holes in case you find leaks. Then go to a mechanic and have them repaired.
This type of leak isn't that serious. Still, they can cause a lot of inconvenience if your windshield wiper isn't working.
Final Word
Don't procrastinate when you find a leak -- have them repaired immediately. Not only will this help you save money, but it will also guarantee you and your family's safety when driving on the road.
Updated on September 18, 2020 by Gail Alcabaza
Also Read
How to Care for Your Car During ECQ
10 Essential Tools for Every Car Owner
Featured Articles
- Latest
- Popular
-
PH oil prices to spike tomorrow
Ruben Manahan IV . Jul 08, 2024
-
PH-spec Toyota Vios roster back to 6 trims, 2 engine options
Ruben Manahan IV . Jul 08, 2024
-
Upgraded Mitsubishi Triton to compete at 2024 AXCR
Paulo Papa . Jul 08, 2024
-
Scania Sleeper Bus arrives in PH
Ruben Manahan IV . Jul 08, 2024
-
Toyota PH's OMR race renamed to TGR PH Cup
Ruben Manahan IV . Jul 05, 2024
-
PH-spec Mitsubishi Xforce now available
Ruben Manahan IV . Jul 05, 2024
-
PH-spec Mitsubishi Xforce now available
Ruben Manahan IV . Jul 05, 2024
-
3rd-gen Porsche Panamera reaches PH roads
Ruben Manahan IV . Jul 03, 2024
-
Defender Octa to be retailed in PH by 2025
Ruben Manahan IV . Jul 04, 2024
-
TMP opens 2024 Toyota Gazoo Racing Academy
Ruben Manahan IV . Jul 03, 2024
-
Scania Sleeper Bus arrives in PH
Ruben Manahan IV . Jul 08, 2024
-
PH-spec Toyota Vios roster back to 6 trims, 2 engine options
Ruben Manahan IV . Jul 08, 2024
Recommended Articles For You
-
Ford PH shares 4 safety tips for drivers braving the rainy season
Paulo Papa . Jun 27, 2023
-
PSBank shares tips on how to properly maintain an HEV
Ruben Manahan IV . Jul 14, 2022
-
Ford PH shares tips to ensure safe and worry-free drives
Ruben Manahan IV . Mar 09, 2022
-
Car Wash Business 101: Equipment and investment requirements for 2020
Cherryl Anne Cruz . Jul 02, 2020
-
Gift ideas for your gearhead dad on Father's Day
Gail Alcabaza . Jun 17, 2020
-
Kia PH says K2500 Karga can meet today's transport demands
Ruben Manahan IV . Jun 16, 2020
Featured Cars
- Latest
- Upcoming
- Popular
-
Ford Territory
₱1.335 - 1.625 Million
Ford Territory Price
-
Ford Mustang
₱3.499 - 3.999 Million
Ford Mustang Price
-
Toyota Innova
₱1.261 - 1.808 Million
Toyota Innova Price
-
Toyota Hilux
₱885,000 - 2.172 Million
Toyota Hilux Price
-
Isuzu D-Max
₱842,000 - 1.905 Million
Isuzu D-Max Price
Latest Cars
-
GAC Emkoo Hybrid
₱2.498 Million
GAC Emkoo Hybrid Price
Alert Me When Launched
-
GWM Gaoshan PHEV
₱3.15 Million
GWM Gaoshan PHEV Price
Alert Me When Launched
-
Ford Everest
₱1.799 - 2.525 Million
Ford Everest Price
Alert Me When Launched
-
Chery eQ7
Price coming soon
Alert Me When Launched
-
Chery Tiggo 7 Pro PHEV
₱1.8 Million
Chery Tiggo 7 Pro PHEV Price
Alert Me When Launched
Upcoming Cars
-
Toyota Vios
₱732,000 - 902,000
Toyota Vios Price
-
Toyota Hilux
₱885,000 - 2.172 Million
Toyota Hilux Price
-
Toyota Rush
₱1.202 Million
Toyota Rush Price
-
Ford Territory
₱1.335 - 1.625 Million
Ford Territory Price
-
Toyota Fortuner
₱1.769 - 2.65 Million
Toyota Fortuner Price
New Cars
Car Articles From Zigwheels
- News
- Article Feature
- Advisory Stories
- Road Test
-
Nissan PH hails Commonwealth, Cebu Central as 2024 DOYA winners
Cesar Miguel . Today
-
You can win a Toyota Hilux at Ginebra San Miguel’s ‘Lamang ang Panalo’ promo
Ruben Manahan IV . Today
-
Bentley to showcase Continental GT Speed at 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed
Ruben Manahan IV . Today
-
Volvo gives select models stylish monochrome treatment in Europe
Paulo Papa . Today
-
US-spec Nissan X-Trail gets major updates
Paulo Papa . Today
-
Cabin check: What's inside the Ford Bronco?
Cesar Miguel . Jul 09, 2024
-
Here are the Ford Bronco's 6 color options
Cesar Miguel . Jul 08, 2024
-
Cabin check: What’s inside the Ford Mustang?
Cesar Miguel . Jul 08, 2024
-
Battery-electric bout: Zeekr X vs. BYD Atto 3
Paulo Papa . Jul 05, 2024
-
Cabin check: What’s inside the Zeekr X?
Cesar Miguel . Jul 04, 2024
-
Electric Car: A comprehensive buying guide
Purva Jain . Jul 01, 2024
-
Here are some ideal destinations and safety tips for the upcoming Holy Week
Paulo Papa . Mar 08, 2024
-
Here are some New Year’s resolutions for car owners
Paulo Papa . Jan 03, 2024
-
PH auto market: 2023 in retrospect
Paulo Papa . Dec 15, 2023
-
Here’s a holiday gift guide for car enthusiasts
Hazel Nicole Carreon . Dec 15, 2023
-
ELECTRIA: Chery eQ7 could stir UAAGI’s EV journey
Ruben Manahan IV . Jul 01, 2024
-
Han, Tang are BYD PH's one-two shocker
Cesar Miguel . Jun 26, 2024
-
Dapper any weather: GAC Emkoo GL
Paulo Papa . Jun 26, 2024
-
Buff Horses: Ford Mustang, Bronco experience
Cesar Miguel . Jun 21, 2024
-
Beyond limits: Mitsubishi Triton
Paulo Papa . Jun 21, 2024