Most Common Types of Car Leaks
Vehicles are a crucial component in your everyday life. They get you from point A to point B, and they provide you the independence to do as you please. So, it’s crucial to be able to discern when there’s an issue with your car. Specifically, it’s essential to understand the most common types of car leaks and how to address them when they happen.
Transmission Fluid Leak
Several issues can cause transmission leaks under the hood, such as a damaged pan gasket, cracked transmission lines, or torque converter issues. So, if you notice a reddish puddle forming underneath the center of your car accompanied by the smell of gasoline, it’s likely a transmission leak. Therefore, you should take your vehicle into the shop immediately, as transmission leaks often indicate more serious engine problems.
Engine Oil Leak
One of the most common types of car leaks occurs in the engine. Engine oil leaks will also create a puddle under your vehicle, but they will form toward the front of the vehicle. You can identify engine oil by dipping your finger or a paper towel into the goop. If it’s slick to the touch with a slightly burnt smell, you probably have an engine oil leak.
To address this issue, you’ll first want to inspect the undercarriage of your car to make sure that the oil pan plug is in place and your oil filter is secured. If both components appear to be in working order, you’ll want to have your car inspected by a mechanic. A cracked oil pan and faulty engine valves can cause an engine oil leak, which leads to serious complications down the line.
Power Steering Fluid Leak
Power steering fluid is akin to engine oil in that it’s slick, though it is slightly thinner. Power steering fluid ensures you keep control of your vehicle’s steering. So, if you’re able to identify a leak as power steering fluid, you need to take your car to a mechanic as soon as possible. If you put off having proper maintenance done for this type of leak, it could result in the sudden loss of your power steering, which is significantly hazardous while you’re on the road.
Antifreeze Leak
Antifreeze is another type of fluid that commonly leaks from cars. It can pool toward the front of your vehicle, or in some cases, it will leak from your vehicle’s tailpipe. Antifreeze is easier to identify, as it is either a bright red or green color and smells sweet.
If you find that your vehicle has an antifreeze leak, you should take it to get looked at by a mechanic immediately. Antifreeze leaks often indicate radiator and water pump malfunctions. If left unchecked, these issues can cause severe damage to your engine, which will impact the overall health of your car.
Understanding why your vehicle leaks and identifying the fluid that comes from them is essential to keeping your car in excellent condition. If you notice puddles forming under your car, take it to the shop so a mechanic can diagnose the problem and get you back on the road safely.
