Identifying Auto Fluid Leaks

It's a good idea to top off your car's fluids or change them on a regular basis.

If you’re like most drivers, you’ve probably seen fluid leaking on your garage floor at some point.

While your first feeling might be panic, it’s important to understand fluid leaks originate from a number of different sources — some worse than others.

Fortunately, there are ways to determine the type of fluid leaking from your car.

Because cars are manufactured with different configurations, fluids are often easier to distinguish by color, quantity and consistency.

Here are six fluids that may leak from your car, and tips to help identify them.

1. ENGINE OIL

• An engine oil leak not only indicates a problem, but a low oil level can significantly damage an engine.
• Engine oil looks nearly clean or golden when it’s new, and tends to turn brown or black the older it gets.
• Engine oil leaks — the most common type of leak — are typically found directly under the engine.
• Oil leaks are thick, oily, smells gassy and is dark in color.

2. TRANSMISSION FLUID

• A transmission fluid leak is usually red. If it's about time for the fluid to be changed, it may be brownish. Be aware that other car fluids, such as anti-freeze and windshield wiper fluid, are also red. You'll be able to differentiate between those fluids and transmission fluid by the consistency and smell.
• Transmission fluid is a slick liquid that's oily to the touch, much like engine oil or brake fluid. It usually smells similar to petroleum. If the transmission fluid needs to be changed, it will smell burnt.
• Transmission fluid leaks around the front and middle of the car. If you find puddles of red, slick liquid on your driveway where the front and middle of your car sit, you most likely have a transmission fluid leak.

3. POWER STEERING FLUID

• Power steering fluid is usually clear or red when new and brown when old. Like engine oil and transmission fluid, this fluid will feel oily to the touch.
• Power steering fluid looks very similar to transmission fluid.
• Power steering fluid has a dull, mechanic smell. Leaks are typically located on the front, left side of the car, near the engine.

4. WINDSHIELD WIPER FLUID

• Windshield wiper fluid is usually blue or pink and flows like water.
• Windshield washer fluid is thin with a nice odor. It can be blue, green or orange and absorbs quickly into concrete.
• Wiper fluid usually leaks under the front, right side of your hood.

Antifreeze can be several different colors, including green.

5. BRAKE FLUID

• Brake fluid should look nearly clear when new. Brake fluid typically draws moisture, so your fingers might feel dry after touching it.
• Like power steering fluid, brake fluid can also have a dull, mechanical smell. It's found on the inside of the tires, just under the brake fluid reservoir.

6. ENGINE COOLANT

• Engine coolant can have a variety of colors, such as green, yellow, orange, blue and red. Engine coolant may feel a little sticky, but flows like water.
• Coolant leaks often appear in the front of the car, under the radiator.
• If you notice a leak it’s important to be proactive. Most shops will tell you not to drive the car and have it towed. Extremely low coolant or oil can severely damage an engine so the car should be towed.

Mechanics recommend taking your vehicle in for routine fluid checks to avoid leaks and other mechanical issues with your vehicle. Frequency depends on driving habits and mileage.