There are a handful of different fluids running inside of your car that allow it to function properly. Sometimes you come home and find that one of these fluids has leaked all over the floor of your garage, but which one is it? Knowing the difference between these fluids and how to identify them can save you a lot money and mechanical trouble. Here are 5 ways to figure out what’s leaking from your car.
Antifreeze – This leak is very common with motor vehicles and it can create a messy situation if not addressed right away. Antifreeze is a coolant that keeps your engine from overheating and even a minor leak can cause your car to break down on the side of the road. Be sure to pay attention to your temperature gauge on your dashboard for any warning signs of this problem. You can easily detect this leak from its greenish color and sweet smell. If you find a leak, make sure you clean it up immediately and keep it away from your pets!
Brake Fluid – Every car’s brake system relies on this fluid to maintain your break pressure; without it your car is basically a run-away speeding bullet. You can detect this fluid by it’s clear to yellowish color and oily texture. If you sense that there’s a leak, it’s vital that you call a tow truck immediately. Trust us, you do not want to be going down a busy freeway or intersection without your brakes!
Oil – If you notice that there’s a stream of liquid leaving a trail behind your car, then it’s most likely an oil leak. If left unchecked, it can cause severe engine damage and ultimately put a large dent in your bank account. This leak is more common with high-mileage cars and can be detected by the oil icon on your dashboard.
Gasoline – Everyone knows what gasoline smells like, so it’s a pretty obvious leak to identify. This leak doesn’t need to be addressed immediately, but it is definitely something to keep on your radar. Leaks toward the back of your car often indicate a leaky gas tank, while leaks toward the front usually signal a problem with your fuel pump.
Automatic Transmission Fluid – This fluid has a light to dark brownish color and it helps make your car transition smoothly and efficiently without any hiccups. If this leak gets out of hand it can damage your transmission and cost you a lot of money, so the sooner you fix this issue the better. This leak can be found between the front half of your car near the transmission fluid drain holes and filler tubes next to the engine.
If you’ve had experience with any of these auto fluid leaks, it’s important to make sure that you’re covered. Give us a call to make sure that your auto insurance policy is up to date to date and you’ve got the best rate and coverage possible!