What is Leaking from Your Car: The Ultimate Guide to Automotive Leaks

You have packed your bags, grabbed your keys and programmed your route. The excitement is tangible. You are only moments away from hitting the highway for an epic road trip! As you approach your vehicle you notice something.

Suddenly, your budding excitement is replaced with nausea inducing dread when you notice an unidentified liquid pooling under your vehicle. Feeling like your carefully planned trip is in jeopardy, you lay on your stomach to check the undercarriage, hoping that your vehicle is not the source of the mystery puddle. At first you do not notice anything amiss, but that all changes when you see the drip. You do not know the exact source of the leak; however, you have just confirmed it is indeed coming from your car.

Though this discovery could be cause for concern, it is important to take a step back and assess the situation before you start canceling your reservations. Not all automotive leaks are the same.

Depending on the fluid and source, you may have nothing to worry about or you should call a tow truck to get it to a mechanic. This comprehensive guide will shed some light on how to identify the type of fluid and its origins.

A/C and exhaust condensation leak 

If you recently ran your car’s air conditioning and clear liquid has pooled under your vehicle or beneath your exhaust, there is no need for alarm. This condensation discharge is perfectly normal. This happens because the refrigerant used to cool your vehicle causes water to build up on the outside of your A/C evaporator.This water then drips down, causing a rather large puddle beneath your vehicle.

The only cause for concern would be if the water is leaking onto the driver’s or passenger’s feet inside the vehicle. If this occurs, it would be worth getting your A/C system checked out.

• Color: Clear.
• Texture: Watery.
• Smell: Condensation discharge is odorless.
• Source: Water will typically pool under the A/C system or exhaust pipe if it is a result of condensation discharge.

Washer fluid leak 

If you notice a colorful liquid leaking from your vehicle’s front end, there is a chance it could be your washer fluid. A leak of this nature could create hazards on the road. Without fluid in the reservoir, you will not be able to effectively clean your windshield which could cause visibility issues, especially during adverse weather conditions. It would be wise to diagnose the source and resolve the issue as soon as possible.

• Color: Blue (standard), green (bug remover), purple (summer), yellow (anti-freeze deicer) or orange (deicer).
• Texture: Thin and watery.
• Smell: Washer fluid smells like glass cleaner. Think Windex.
• Source: Washer fluid leaks are typically the result of a cracked reservoir or punctured hose.

Fuel leak

If there is an automotive leak towards the rear of your vehicle underneath your gas tank, you likely have a fuel leak. Gasoline puddles have a similar look and consistency to water, but the smell should give it away. Driving with a fuel leak is dangerous for both you and the environment. A simple spark is all it would take to ignite the fuel trail and engulf the vehicle in flames. Additionally, it negatively affects the environment by contaminating soil, air and water. If you have a gas leak, be sure to resolve the issue sooner rather than later.

• Color: Clear.
• Texture: Thin and watery.
• Smell: As expected, a fuel leak will smell like gas.
• Source: The three primary origins of a gas leak are the fuel pump, gas lines or a hole in the gas tank.

Coolant leak

If there is an automotive leak towards the rear of your vehicle underneath your gas tank, you likely have a fuel leak. Gasoline puddles have a similar look and consistency to water, but the smell should give it away. Driving with a fuel leak is dangerous for both you and the environment. A simple spark is all it would take to ignite the fuel trail and engulf the vehicle in flames. Additionally, it negatively affects the environment by contaminating soil, air and water. If you have a gas leak, be sure to resolve the issue sooner rather than later.

• Color: Clear.
• Texture: Thin and watery.
• Smell: As expected, a fuel leak will smell like gas.
• Source: The three primary origins of a gas leak are the fuel pump, gas lines or a hole in the gas tank.

Oil leak

Of all the various leaks, the oil leak is the most common wet patch under a car. The fluid itself is dark in nature and will stain your driveway or garage floor. It is perfectly normal for oil to leak in minute amounts, but if you end up with a large puddle or find yourself consistently low on oil, it is imperative to resolve the issue – FAST! Running on low or no oil could create serious, irreparable engine issues.

It is important to monitor the leak by topping off your oil and keeping track of your consumption. If you find you are constantly cleaning puddles or refilling your oil to safe operational levels, then it is imperative that you take your vehicle to a mechanic.

• Color: Black, amber or brown.
• Texture: Thick and oily.
• Smell: Engine oil gives off a burnt aroma that is similar to the smell of cooking oil.
• Source: Evidence of an oil leak can be found on the oil pan, valve covers, gaskets and seals.

Transmission fluid leak

If you notice a bright red or brown liquid with a potent smell seeping from your vehicle then you should see your mechanic. Your transmission depends on the fluid in the reservoir to operate properly. If the levels get low, your transmission is at risk of failure. Transmission replacements are costly repairs, so transmission leaks should be taken very seriously if you want to avoid a larger expense.

• Color: Red or brown
• Texture: Thick.
• Smell: Because it is petroleum-based, transmission fluid gives off a gas-like aroma.
• Source: Transmission leaks are likely to occur somewhere around the middle of the car.

Steering fluid leaks 

Power steering fluid is essential for the safe operation of your vehicle’s steering systems. It is a hydraulic fluid that enables you to steer your vehicle with ease. If the fluid levels drop too low, steering will become extremely difficult. If you suspect that you have a steering fluid leak, you should take your vehicle to your mechanic immediately.

• Color: Red, pink or brown
• Texture: Thin.
• Smell: Steering fluid smells like burnt marshmallows with a hint of sweetness.
• Source: Power steering fluid is likely to drip from the front of the vehicle around the power steering fluid reservoir or leak from the hoses between the steering pump and steering rack.

Brake fluid leaks

Brake fluid enables your vehicle to make controlled stops. If you notice a fishy-smelling yellow liquid coming from your vehicle, then you should not wait to address the issue. As your vehicle loses brake fluid, it loses its ability to stop. To resolve the issue, send your vehicle to the mechanic. If you can have it towed, do so. If a tow is not an option, then be sure to top off your fluid and drive with extreme caution.

• Color: Clear, light brown or light yellow.
• Texture: Slippery and extremely slimy.
• Smell: Brake fluid gives off a slightly fishy smell.
• Source: Brake fluid leaks often stem from the brake fluid reservoir, brake lines or master cylinder.

Finding an automotive leak is never fun, but hopefully these tips will alleviate some of your uncertainty. If you are still unsure what kind of leak you are dealing with, err on the side of caution. It might be better to drop your vehicle off at the mechanic and hit the open road in a rental car instead.

If you operate your vehicle without the necessary fluids, you could find yourself involved in a deadly accident or cause costly damage. Nobody wants that.