My car has a Fluid Leak, but I don’t know what it is. Can
you check it out?
At Pugh’s Service Automotive we hear this question often. Oddly
enough, the answer is quite simple to find out if you know what you are looking
at.
Here are some tips on how to find out what Type of Fluid
Leak your car has.
What Color is the
Fluid Leak?
Is the Fluid Leak Black, Green, Clear, Red, Yellow, Blue, or
perhaps mixed? Where does the fluid leak look like it’s coming from?
A Black Fluid leak in most cases says we have an oil leak.
Green, Yellow, or Reddish-Brown Fluid Leaks point to a leak in the cooling
system. On the other hand, Clear color yells we may have a Brake or Power
Steering Leak. Power Steering can also be Red. Red will many times be a
transmission leak. Blue will mostly be
Washer Fluid.
Where is the Leak
Coming From?
Does the Fluid Leak pool in the front of the vehicle? Does
it pool towards the Middle, Left, Right, or Rear of your car?
Knowing the area the Fluid Leak pools can be a big step in
determining it’s nature. Especially when coupled with the Color of the leak.
Here is a tip to help you to easily determine the location
of you Fluid Leak.
Cut out a large piece of cardboard and place the cardboard
under your car. Make sure to place it in the area that you think the leak is
coming from. The next day inspect the cardboard. Bring it to your shop and THEY
WILL LOVE YOU!!!!!
Why will they love you? It makes a clear Marker for the Area
of the Fluid Leak. Also, many times the color of a Leaking Fluid is different
when seeing it lying on a Blacktop, Concrete or other type of driveway. The cardboard
will make the Color of your car’s Fluid Leak much easier to determine.
When Does it Leak
Most?
Does your Fluid Leak increase more when your car is warmed
up? Does it Leak more after it has sat for a while? This can tell a Mechanic
what type of part is Leaking Fluid. This is especially true when coupled with
the Color and Location of the Fluid Leak.
Any information you are able to give in regard to your car’s
Fluid Leak is GOLDEN, and will be duly noted by your Mechanic.
We know your follow up question will be “Is this Repair
Expensive?”
This is a question that can only be answered by Inspecting
the car or truck.
Some leaks are slow and some fast, but all leaks follow to
the law of gravity. Your leak could be coming from an area that is higher than
what it appears. Oil, Antifreeze, Power Steering, Transmission, Brake or Power
Steering Leaks should ALWAYS be taken to an expert with a car lift to correctly
diagnose your Fluid Leak.
A Wrong or Incomplete diagnosis will only cost you more
dollars. At Pugh’s Service Automotive we will inspect your Fluid Leak Free of Charge,
even if you are seeking us as a Second Opinion.
