Fluid leaks are never good news for your car. Sullivan’s Auto Service & Tire Pros wants you to know about these major possible fluids that can leak.
Brake Fluid
Your car’s brakes use both friction and hydraulic pressure to function. That hydraulic pressure comes from brake fluid that flows through brake lines to each wheel. The brake fluid is brown in color and it’s really slippery. You’re most likely to find brake fluid around your car’s wheels if there’s a leak.
Coolant
Coolant is usually fluorescent, usually yellow or green. If it’s leaking from the radiator, though, it might take on an orange hint if it’s picked up a lot of rust. Coolant is what helps your car’s engine to stay as cool as possible, so losing a bunch of coolant in a puddle does not do your car any good.
Engine Oil
Engine oil tends to be dark brown or even black if it’s old. Typically, if you’ve got an engine oil leak, it’s under the engine area. An engine oil leak is a big deal, even if the leak seems pretty small. Your car’s engine needs all the oil that it can hang onto.
Transmission Fluid
Most fluid leaks are going to be under the engine compartment, but transmission fluid usually leaks underneath the back of your car because that’s where the transmission is located. Depending on the age of the transmission fluid, it can be just about any shade between translucent red and dark brown or black. Don’t ignore a transmission fluid leak, because that can lead to big transmission trouble.
Windshield Wiper Fluid
Windshield wiper fluid looks just like water underneath your car. Your engine isn’t going to suffer if you’ve got a windshield wiper fluid leak, but it’s still not great news. Without windshield wiper fluid, you’re going to find it difficult to keep the windshield as clean as it needs to be in order to see what’s going on.
Power Steering Fluid
Power steering fluid makes your job as a driver so much easier. The steering system is another part of your car that works via hydraulics, and power steering fluid makes that happen. If you’ve got a power steering fluid leak, you’re probably having more trouble controlling your car.
Spotted a mystery fluid under your car? Don’t ignore it. Give us a call at Sullivan’s Auto Service & Tire Pros in Seaside, CA. We’ll diagnose the leak and help you to get back on the road again safely.