If you see a fluid spot on the garage where you usually park your car for a long time, then you are looking at both good news and bad news. The good news is that you are sure that there is something wrong with your car and you can start doing something about it. The bad news, on the other hand, is that you could end up spending a lot in costly repairs. This is most likely to happen when you ignore the fluid spot and do nothing.
Newer cars are not as prone to leaking fluids especially since they are usually equipped with sensors and performance monitors. This car maintenance problem is common for cars that have been on the road for quite some time. Do not panic when you see a fluid spot under your car. Instead, try to find out what kind of fluid is dripping from your car. This will help you decide whether your car needs immediate attention or if you can still use it for some time.
At least six different kinds of fluids are used in cars. These fluids help keep your car running. To identify which of these fluids are leaking, you can observe your car. Park your car overnight. Then, identify where the drip is coming from. Get a newspaper and place it under the source of the drip. Check out these seven tips on identifying what kind of car leak you have with the car fluid’s color:
1. If the fluid is brown to black, it’s probably engine oil or gear oil. These fluids help lubricate the mechanical parts of your car from friction. Leaks of this type can be indicative of damage to the oil gasket, the oil filter, the coolant line, or the oil plug.
2. If it is reddish to brown or pinkish, it is probably transmission fluid for automatic transmission cars. If you consistently have a low level reading of your transmission fluid, then that indicates that seals might not be intact and need replacement.
3. If it is green, red, blue, or yellow, it’s probably a coolant. This fluid is watery and slippery. Check your radiator for proper water level or your car will overheat.
4. If the fluid is pink or red, your car could be leaking power steering fluid. This fluid helps you control your car without much effort. The wheel would be heavy and difficult to steer if you run out of this fluid.
5. If it is a light-colored or clear fluid, the leak is probably brake fluid. It is either your brake system or your clutch system that is leaking. Be sure to have a professional inspect for these leaks.
6. If it smells like rotten eggs, it’s probably a battery acid. Check your battery and replace it if it’s leaking.
7. If it smells like gasoline, it probably is. If you don’t know how to check the gasoline lines, have a car maintenance professional do it for you. This is a serious car leak and should not be taken for granted. Gasoline is highly flammable and could cause an explosion.
Do not forget to check your dashboard for possible warning lights. Observe your car’s performance and do regular car maintenance tasks as well. Being aware of the possible problems that need your immediate attention will help you be safe on the road.
If you need new auto parts that are listed above, stop by Meyers Auto Parts. We now stock inventory for ALL makes of vehicles. We have expanded to four locations throughout the valley, plus a fully-stocked warehouse, to meet your auto-repair needs. Contact us today, we are always ready to answers your questions.
At least six different kinds of fluids are used in cars. These fluids help keep your car running. To identify which of these fluids are leaking, you can observe your car. Park your car overnight. Then, identify where the drip is coming from. Get a newspaper and place it under the source of the drip. Check out these seven tips on identifying what kind of car leak you have with the car fluid’s color:
1. If the fluid is brown to black, it’s probably engine oil or gear oil. These fluids help lubricate the mechanical parts of your car from friction. Leaks of this type can be indicative of damage to the oil gasket, the oil filter, the coolant line, or the oil plug.
2. If it is reddish to brown or pinkish, it is probably transmission fluid for automatic transmission cars. If you consistently have a low level reading of your transmission fluid, then that indicates that seals might not be intact and need replacement.
3. If it is green, red, blue, or yellow, it’s probably a coolant. This fluid is watery and slippery. Check your radiator for proper water level or your car will overheat.
4. If the fluid is pink or red, your car could be leaking power steering fluid. This fluid helps you control your car without much effort. The wheel would be heavy and difficult to steer if you run out of this fluid.
5. If it is a light-colored or clear fluid, the leak is probably brake fluid. It is either your brake system or your clutch system that is leaking. Be sure to have a professional inspect for these leaks.
6. If it smells like rotten eggs, it’s probably a battery acid. Check your battery and replace it if it’s leaking.
7. If it smells like gasoline, it probably is. If you don’t know how to check the gasoline lines, have a car maintenance professional do it for you. This is a serious car leak and should not be taken for granted. Gasoline is highly flammable and could cause an explosion.
Do not forget to check your dashboard for possible warning lights. Observe your car’s performance and do regular car maintenance tasks as well. Being aware of the possible problems that need your immediate attention will help you be safe on the road.
If you need new auto parts that are listed above, stop by Meyers Auto Parts. We now stock inventory for ALL makes of vehicles. We have expanded to four locations throughout the valley, plus a fully-stocked warehouse, to meet your auto-repair needs. Contact us today, we are always ready to answers your questions.