Safety Glasses
Gloves
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BEFORE YOU BEGIN: Consult your owner’s manual before topping off any fluids. Every vehicle’s manufacturer specifies the type of fluid you should add to each system. |
Coolant and Antifreeze
Coolant is also called antifreeze, and can be green, orange, yellow, blue, greenish-blue, pink or red.
You can verify the color of your coolant by checking the reservoir under your hood.
You can verify the color of your coolant by checking the reservoir under your hood.
A leak can be under the front of your vehicle as far back as the floorboard of your engine compartment. It’s important to repair this leak as soon as you can. If your radiator loses too much coolant, your engine can overheat or even seize up and leave you stranded.
Also, the sweet smell of coolant is appealing to pets, and is highly toxic. Many coolants have bittering agents added to prevent ingestion, but it’s best to clean up a leak before any pets get curious.
Also, the sweet smell of coolant is appealing to pets, and is highly toxic. Many coolants have bittering agents added to prevent ingestion, but it’s best to clean up a leak before any pets get curious.
Fuel
A fuel leak won’t look much different than water, but as you might guess, it’ll smell like gas.
Because a fuel leak can happen at the tank, the fuel line or the fuel pump, it’s possible to see leaked gas anywhere under the length of the vehicle. It’ll dry a lot faster than most liquids, so if you see it on the ground, it’s probably very recent. Get a fuel leak taken care of as soon as possible to prevent the danger of fire or combustion.
Oil
If you see a liquid that’s light brown to black and feels greasy and slick between your fingers, it’s probably engine oil.
This is a leak you’d find under the front end of your vehicle. Check the dipstick that measures your oil level to see if you need to add back what’s leaked. The level should always read between the minimum and maximum indicators on the dipstick. Take care of an oil leak as soon as possible to keep moving parts lubricated and prevent oil pressure issues.
Brake Fluid
In most cars, a brake fluid leak is not common, but it is possible. Brake fluid will usually be a clear or yellow to brownish color and medium thickness.
You’d most likely see this leak near a wheel or at the master cylinder. Because this fluid is what maintains the hydraulic pressure in your brake system, it’s not safe to drive your vehicle if you suspect a leak. Have it towed to a shop for repairs to avoid the risk of brake failure.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid is an oily, reddish fluid, somewhere from pink to dark brown in color.
A leak would appear under the front half in front-wheel drive vehicles, or toward the middle of rear-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicles. This fluid serves as a lubricant and coolant in your transmission. If your transmission fluid gets low, the damage can be costly, so take care of this leak as soon as possible.
Power Steering Fluid
A power steering fluid leak can look reddish to pink, amber, or yellowish to light brown.
Since your vehicle’s steering system is toward the front, that’s where you’d find the leak. If power steering fluid is leaking, hydraulic pressure will decrease and you’ll find it more difficult to steer. You’ll want to stop this leak before steering becomes difficult and dangerous.
Windshield Washer Fluid
Windshield washer fluid is usually blue, but can also be purple, green or orange.
The reservoir and tubes are usually near the windshield in the engine compartment. If you find a leak, it’s likely to be underneath that area.
This leak won’t affect the way your vehicle runs, but you’ll want to fix it before heading out on a road trip so you can keep your windshield clean on the highway.
Water
Lastly, if you see a fresh puddle on a hot day after you’ve been running your air conditioner, don’t worry.
Condensation from your air conditioner is likely to leave a puddle of water under the front passenger side of your vehicle.
Condensation from your air conditioner is likely to leave a puddle of water under the front passenger side of your vehicle.
The automotive repair work depicted in this series is performed under the direction of the manufacturer of the product featured. Prior to undertaking any of the demonstrated repairs on your vehicle, we suggest you consult with a certified mechanic or another professional who can adequately advise you of the proper repair or remedy required. O’Reilly Automotive Stores, Inc. and its affiliates (“O’Reilly”) disclaims any responsibility for injury or damage resulting from a viewer’s attempt to recreate the repairs shown in this series.