What is leaking from my car?
There are several different kinds of fluids necessary to run a vehicle. When one or more of those fluids start appearing outside of the vehicle, that is almost certainly a sign that something bad is happening. If you’re wondering, ‘What is leaking from my car,’ the automotive experts at Carizma Motors are here to help. For the most part, the three most common fluid leaks will be motor oil, engine coolant/antifreeze or transmission fluid. Knowing what you’re looking at can help you figure out the problem and how difficult or expensive it will be to repair. Let’s take a look at some information that you might be interested in knowing.
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How do I tell what this leak is?
Motor Oil — The most common leak for a car, truck or SUV is probably going to be motor oil. It will appear black or dark brown on the driveway or garage floor. You may not notice it until you pull away from where you park regularly. If your vehicle is leaking oil, this isn’t good. The best-case scenario is that your oil filter is just clogged and an oil change will fix it. Regardless, you should make sure you keep the oil level high enough until the problem can be addressed.
Coolant/Antifreeze — An internal combustion engine works by controlling several small explosions. Naturally, this will create a lot of heat. A modern radiator circulates fluid (coolant or antifreeze) to absorb heat and keep things at the proper temperature. Since this is a closed system, leaks mean a drop in fluid level, which can lead to an engine overheating. Coolant will look neon green or possibly pink when it’s on the ground. However, a sweet smell will give the best clue that your vehicle is losing coolant.
Transmission Fluid — Transmissions are comprised of a lot of moving parts, operating in very close proximity. The fluid lubricates the parts and keeps them cool all at the same time. This is another example of a closed system so any leaking transmission fluid is a cause for major concern. You can tell your transmission is in trouble because of the red or dark red fluid puddles under your car. Make an appointment to have your vehicle looked at right away if you notice a transmission fluid leak.
If your vehicle is leaking the previously mentioned fluids and more, it might be time to move on. Schedule an appointment with one of our product experts today to examine your options.
