- July 5, 2017
- By Emma G
- In Belts, Brakes, Diagnostics, Engine, Filters, Transmission
- 829
- 9
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Ever wondered what is leaking from under your car? Concerned that something maybe wrong? The table below can be used as a guide to determine what fluid you may find leaking from your vehicle and what it means.
Fluid |
Description |
Location |
Should I be concerned? |
Fuel | Petrol has a distinctive smell we are all familiar with. | Fuel tank, fuel pipe, fuel lines, and injectors | Yes! If your vehicle is leaking fuel you have a fire risk. Get it repaired as soon as possible. |
Differential Oil | Light brown or black and thicker than engine oil. | Pinion seal or other seals | Yes, if it is leaking on your brakes. Then you run the risk of brake failure. |
Transmission Fluid/Oil | Light brown or black and thicker than engine oil or it could be reddish coloured. | Transmission pan/gasket, torque converter, fluid lines and seals. | Yes, if the transmission is leaking and falls below minimum level you run the risk of transmission failure, Especially in an automatic. |
Motor Oil | Light brown or black with a medium consistency | Oil pan, valve covers and oil filter. | Yes and No. Depending on the position of the leak, Get it checked. |
Brake fluid | Yellow but slightly brown and slippery. | Master cylinder seal, brake lines, wheel cylinder or piston seal. | YES! Any leaks to do with brakes or clutch fluid run the risk of brake failure and accident. |
Power steering fluid | Thin red or light brown | Cracked power steering reservoir, power steering pump and hoses. | Yes and No. Depending on the position of the leak, Get it checked. |
Windscreen Wiper Fluid | Thin bluish colour | Cracked wiper fluid reservoir or wiper fluid lines | No. Just bear in mind you will have trouble using your washers. |
Water | AC or exhaust condenser | Yes and No. Depending on the position of the leak, Get it checked. | |
Coolant | Slimy green, pink or yellow | Radiator, radiator hoses or water pump. | Yes and No. Depending on the position of the leak, Get it checked. |
If you notice anything leaking from your car other than water there is usually a problem. Call Townsville Mobile Mechanic on 0400 401 171 to book in or book in online.
9 COMMENTS
Ariel Porter
June 5, 2019, 1:39 pm REPLYAn automobile uses different fluids to operate its various systems. Over the time, either the fluid level gets lowered due to leak or the fluid itself gets contaminated. That’s why all the fluids need to be inspected from time to time. If you don’t know which fluid represents which color, then you can’t say, what actually is leaking from your speed machine. Even after knowing the things, sometimes you can get confused. Well, in that case, you should call a car professional- https://europeansautotech.com/contact/ straight away.
Jaxon Barrallier
June 12, 2019, 7:43 am REPLYThis is an amazing piece of information. Similarly, as your body is loaded up with liquids that enable it to work appropriately, your vehicle has an assortment of fluids siphoning through it that enable it to keep running taking care of business. Furthermore, similarly, as your body springs a couple of leaks now and again, so too does your vehicle
Realizing how to recognize that secretive puddle under your vehicle can help avoid little mechanical issues. I think this post has carried out its responsibility.
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June 2, 2020, 8:13 am REPLYOver this article you will get to know about what is leaking out of my car. This article is very interesting and attractive. It is very useful article and would suggest others too. I am sure many people will come to read this in future.
Braden Bills
September 8, 2020, 1:57 pm REPLYI noticed a light red puddle under my car, and I’m not sure what kind of fluid it is. It’s interesting that power steering fluid can be this color! It would be smart to get someone to take a look at my power steering system to see if they can get it working properly again.
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September 17, 2020, 10:37 am REPLYThis article provides details about what is leaking out of my car.I enjoyed reading this article and would suggest others it as well. Thank you for this article! This is really very informative for us and look forward to more such in future for all of us.