How to Identify Your Car’s Fluids and Common Leaks

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Tips from Your Trusted Auto Mechanic in Calgary

Cars and trucks are not meant to leak, but sometimes they do, especially as they age. It seems that one day you walk out to your garage, and there is a puddle under your ride. The question is: Do you need to worry about a leak under your vehicle? The answer – It depends. Every leak means something, but it doesn’t always mean an enormous repair bill is coming your way.

When in doubt, take your beloved automobile to your trusted auto mechanic in Calgary. The crew at Lakeview Automotive is passionate about cars. We specialize in Ford and Subaru, but we love them all. You might say we are a little fanatical about them!

7 Common Fluids Your Car May Leak

Not every drop of liquid under your car is cause for alarm. Get a better picture of what is going on when you understand the seven most common fluid leaks:

Engine Oil: If that dark spot of fluid forming under your vehicle is light brown or black, it is probably motor oil. The older the oil, the darker the color gets. Generally located directly under the engine, oil leaves a slick residue that won’t easily wipe off your fingers, and it smells gas-like. It can leak from various areas like gaskets, seals, valve covers, or the oil pan. High mileage cars tend to develop minor leaks.It is always a good idea to get your car or truck checked out before the small leak becomes a big problem that leaves you stranded.
Transmission Fluid: Sometimes, engine oil and transmission fluid look so similar they are mistakenly identified. To help, manufacturers often add a red dye to transmission fluid to make it easier to distinguish. Keep in mind that as it ages, it will change colours – generally to darker red or brown. It often has a strong smell, can be either thicker or thinner than oil and is slick. It tends to leak around the seals and gaskets.
Power Steering Fluid: Easily confused with transmission fluid, power steering fluid is typically clear or red, has a medium thickness, and has a light mechanical scent. Some trucks and cars even use transmission fluid for both systems. While it is harder to tell the liquids apart, you can get a better idea by checking out where the spots are under your car. Often they are near one of the front corners, most often the front left side.
Brake Fluid: Without this vital fluid, stopping would be nearly impossible and very dangerous. Look for a light brown or transparent yellow (almost clear) color for new fluid. The older liquid turns brown. In either case, the texture is the key because it is very slippery. You should treat a brake fluid leak as an emergency and give us a call to schedule a service appointment.
Coolant: For a rainbow of colours, look no further than your coolant. It is probably the most easily identified because it comes in green, orange, pink, or blue-green. This is on purpose by the manufacturers to make identification obvious. It has a sweet smell and a watery consistency. That sweet smell can show up after driving your car or if the vehicle is running hot or overheating.
Windshield Washer Fluid: If you just topped off the windshield washer reservoir and it’s dry again, you may have a leak. Check under your car for a thin, watery fluid that is blue, green, or orange. While not serious, it can be quite inconvenient, especially on Calgary’s slushing winter days.
Water: Yes, you may find some water under your car. There’s no need to panic. This is a common sight after you have been running your air conditioner and there’s some condensation that needs to run out and dry.

Mechanic Shops in Calgary can Help Ensure Your Car Will Last for Years

Don’t let a small leak turn into a big problem. Call on the team at Lakeview Automotive. We will inspect your car or truck thoroughly and give you a detailed list of what needs fixing, including preventative maintenance items. Trust the favourite among mechanic shops in Calgary for all your family’s vehicles.

Call us at 403-242-1575 or book an appointment for preventative maintenance or repair work on your truck, car, or fleet vehicles.

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