Whats that Liquid Under My Car??

If you drive an older vehicle, you should know that it’s not uncommon to find some different fluids leaking underneath you vehicle. It’s one of the problems of driving an older car.

And those puddles can sometime be hard to identify. But there are clues that can help you determine just what is slowly dripping from under car. Once you discover what is leaking you and discover where its leaking, and then you can fix it.

There are three key things to look at when trying to determine where leak is coming from: Location, color, and consistency. Here a liquids to look for under your car.

Engine Oil: Engine oil leaks are the most common and are found under the engine. The oil is either black or dark brown and is slick to the touch.

Anti-Freeze: Either green or red in color, anti-freeze usually leaks from the very front under the radiator or under the engine. Anti-freeze has a very sweet smell and is slippery to the touch.

Transmission Fluid: Transmission fluid is typically red and has a slicker touch than engine oil and has a distinctive petroleum smell. Usually found under the engine towards the middle of the car.

Power Steering or Brake Fluid: These two fluids look very similar, with power steering being shade darker. Both feel slick with a consistency of thin oil. Power steering leaks tend to happen under power steering pump and hoses, where brake fluid leaks can occur anywhere on the car along the brake lines.

Washer Fluid: Washer fluid comes in a variety of colors, typically blue. Is the consistency of water and leaks from the reservoir of hoses.

Fuel: Fuel is most recognizable by its smell. Leaks occur near the fuel door, anywhere along the fuel lines or on the engine near the injectors.

Rear Differential Oil: This thick, black oil will be found under the rear end of the car under the axel. 

We hope that these explanations help you determine the liquid underneath your car. Here at Driver’s Choice of Quad Cities, we can help you fix that leak. Schedule a service appointment now or contact us today to find a new car now!