From Transmission Fluid to Antifreeze: Tips for Pinpointing the Fluid Leaking from Your Vehicle

From antifreeze to motor oil and gasoline, your vehicle requires several liquids to keep you safely on the road. If you don't have much experience with cars, you might be concerned if you notice an oily puddle on your driveway. However, before you panic, it's important to realize that not all leaks spell disaster and that the first step to fixing the problem is to identify the source of the spot. Here are a few tips to help you identify the source of two of the most common fluids that can leak from your vehicle:

Antifreeze

One of the most common sources of leaks, antifreeze was traditionally green, but it now comes in a variety of colors depending on the manufacturer, including red, blue, or even translucent. However, one of the best ways to identify a coolant leak isn't by the appearance, but by the smell, instead.

Antifreeze contains an ingredient called ethylene glycol, which gives it a sweet odor that resembles maple syrup. If you suspect your car is leaking antifreeze, begin by checking the coolant overflow tank, which is located behind the hood. The tank is opaque and features a "high" and "low" mark. If you notice the tank is a little low, and the puddle smells sweet, chances are there is coolant leaking from your vehicle.

There are several potential spots throughout your car's system that could be the source of the leak. However, the best place to start is the radiator, which is located just behind the front grill. Make sure to let the vehicle's engine cool completely before examining the radiator. If the radiator is not the source of the leak, or you're not able to locate the source yourself, it's best to contact a mechanic

Avoid driving your vehicle if it is leaking antifreeze because your engine will not be able to cool itself properly. Additionally, it is important to clean up any antifreeze immediately because the sweet smell makes it very enticing to dogs, and, if your pet ingests it, it can be life threatening.

To clean up the antifreeze from concrete, begin by first wetting the area with a hose. Next, cover the affected area with powered laundry soap. Cover the soap with newspaper and let it sit for a few hours. Finally, toss the newspaper and scrub down the area with a hard-bristled brush and plain water.

Transmission Fluid

Another common fluid you might notice leaking from your vehicle is automatic transmission fluid. The fluid acts as both a lubricant and coolant for your transmission, which is responsible for shifting gears. If you are low on transmission fluid, the gears will grind together when your vehicle shifts, which can lead to some serious damage.

Typically, brake fluid will either be bright red or dark reddish/brown, depending on how old the fluid is. The fluid feels like motor oil and is very thick. Most often, the source of your transmission leak will be near the middle or front of your vehicle. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact source, especially if the hole is very small.

If you suspect your vehicle is leaking transmission fluid, don't chance causing serious damage to your transmission and instead, have your vehicle towed to your trusted mechanic. A mechanic like those at Mr Transmission will be able to pinpoint the source of the leak and will have the tools and equipment necessary to fix it quickly.

Whether it's sweet-smelling antifreeze or oily transmission fluid, there are several different liquids that can leak from your car. If you notice a leak and can't pinpoint the type or source of the fluid, don't hesitate to visit a mechanic for assistance.