Leaking Vehicle Fluids?

If you notice any fluid stains or puddles underneath your vehicle, then it might be a good idea to get your vehicle into your local NAPA AutoCare Center.

There are a number of fluids that can leak from your vehicle, with many of them leading to a possible breakdown and expensive repair if neglected. Remember, your vehicle is a machine. Becoming familiar with your machine regarding the type of fluids it requires to operate properly will help you know what kind of fluid leak that you might be experiencing and what system that may be affected by the leak.

Some leaks are obvious, where others may play ‘hide and seek’ with you. Knowing what to look for and where to look can help you avoid a costly repair, as long as you find it in time. Below are some helpful hints as to the type of fluids used in today’s vehicles, as well as various colors and other characteristics to help you identify them.

Tip: If you can’t find the location of the leak on your vehicle, place fresh newspapers under where you think your leak is overnight and then check them in the morning. Take your vehicle and the newspaper with the fluid to your local NAPA AutoCare Center for help in locating the leak.

Engine Oil
Engine oil is typically dark-brown or black in color. At times, you might see a few drops here and there and this might be all right if you recently have had your oil and oil filter changed or performed this service yourself. This can largely be attributed to the location of the oil filter on the engine and some old oil may have dripped upon some of the vehicle chassis or a small about was spilled onto the engine when dispensing the new oil into the filler area. While a few drops shortly after an oil change might be okay, you want to make sure that ‘puddles’ of oil do not occur.

Antifreeze / Coolant
Engine antifreeze / coolant can be either green, yellow or red depending on the type used by the vehicle manufacturer. Most vehicles have a radiator located just behind the grill. This fluid has a sweet smell to it. Not enough antifreeze / coolant will cause the engine to overheat. There is usually an ‘overflow’ or ‘fill’ tank where you can add antifreeze / coolant to your cooling system. Using just water reduces the heat

Clear Water
If the fluid looks like clear water, than it probably is. Since most vehicles today are equipped with air conditioning, you’ll likely notice drips common from underneath the engine compartment or puddles. This is okay, since this water is condensation from the air conditioning system. This is the best fluid to see under your vehicle.

Brake Fluid
Brake fluid is generally clear and oily to the touch. When you depress the brake pedal, brake lines allow the brake fluid to be pushed through to each of the four wheels containing a ‘stopping device’, either a brake caliper or a wheel cylinder. So any number of leaks could appear almost anywhere a weakness may exist in the system. While leakage of the brake system is rare, you’ll likely feel a ‘soft or spongy’ brake pedal feel when depressing the brakes, which can lead to brake failure if not correctly immediately.

Transmission Fluid
Transmission fluid is typically red, although the color can be a ‘milky-pink’ color if it becomes contaminated. Some transmission fluid of certain vehicles may be clear or amber in color. If you have a front-wheel-drive vehicle, then your transmission is next to the side of your engine underneath the hood. If you have a rear-wheel-drive vehicle, then your transmission is located in the center of your vehicle just under the dash under that ‘hump’ in the center. If the color of your transmission fluid appears to be brown, then this would indicate that the fluid has overheated and should be changed as soon as possible.

Power Steering Fluid
Power steering fluid is generally red, although some vehicle manufacturers may use a fluid that is almost clear or amber. The power steering reservoir is typically mounting with the power steering pump driven by a belt on the engine. Leaks generally occur within the power steering lines.

Windshield Washer Fluid
Pink or blue fluid would indicate that your windshield washer reservoir is leaking. For the front windshield, this reservoir is under the hood in the engine compartment. For vehicles with rear wipers, it’s usually mounted behind a panel in the rear left or right side of SUV’s and Vans.

Gasoline
Gasoline is a clear fluid with a strong smell and is obviously highly flammable. Gasoline is stored in the gas tank usually located at the rear of your vehicle. Leaks can occur if you bottom out your vehicle, causing damage to the gas tank. There are also fuel lines that run underneath the vehicle up to the engine. Leaks can also occur within the fuel line (rare), but are most likely to occur at a connection points. Gasoline leaks should be repaired immediately due to a fire hazard.

Diesel Fuel
Diesel fuel looks like light oil. While not as flammable as gasoline, it can ignite in the right conditions. Leaks should be taken care of as soon as possible.

Gear Oil
Gear oil is a light tan or black and is considered ‘heavy’ or thick oil. Leaks can occur in you manual transmission, differential (rear-end on rear-wheel-drive vehicles) or axle. Since gear oil is used widely among certain components, a gear oil leak may be present at a number of locations underneath a vehicle. Any leaks should be repaired as soon as possible.

Battery Acid
Battery acid is a clear fluid that contains sulfuric acid and will smell like rotten eggs. A leak would typically indicate that your battery casing is cracked and the battery should be replaced immediately. Since battery acid is corrosive, any contact with skin should be washed and flushed with water as soon as possible.

Shock and Strut Fluid
Shock and strut fluid is typically a dark brown. Shocks and struts can ‘ooze’ their fluid and this will be evident by a stain on the outside of the shock or strut housing. There is no refilling of this fluid so they must be replaced (usually in pairs or all four at the same time).

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