It can be scary to discover a leak coming from your car. Most car fluid leaks, while not necessarily dangerous, should be checked immediately.
There are several common types of fluid leaks that can occur in a vehicle. You can often identify these leaks by their distinctive colors and textures. These leaks can be serious if not addressed promptly.
Below are some of the most common car fluid leaks and their causes.
Antifreeze
This is one of the most common car fluid leaks. You’ll almost certainly suffer an antifreeze leak at least once during the lifespan of your vehicle. The typical color of antifreeze is a vibrant green. But it can also be orange or pink in color.
Because coolant controls how hot your engine gets, ignoring a leak can result in an overheated vehicle. If your driveway is covered in antifreeze, you may be dealing with a potentially hazardous scenario if you have pets because it is harmful to animals. If you discover an antifreeze leak, you should get your car serviced as soon as possible.
Gas
A gas leak sounds scary, but it’s not as dangerous as you think. Some drivers go months with undetected gas leaks. But even if it’s not very dangerous, gas leaks should be dealt with immediately. You don’t want to waste gas, especially with fuel prices nowadays.
If you see gas puddles on the ground close to the front of your car, it is most likely the result of a fuel pump leak. You should immediately go to a car repair shop and let a qualified expert solve the problem.
Oil
A car engine oil leak happens when the engine oil in a car leaks out of its designated compartment. This can happen for various reasons, such as a faulty gasket, a crack in the engine, or a loose bolt.
In most cases, an oil leak will decrease the engine oil level, which can lead to engine damage if left unaddressed. It’s important to address an oil leak as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your car’s engine.
Driving your car without adequate oil can seriously harm your engine. This is one car fluid leak you need to address without delay.
Brake Fluid
This is one of the most serious car fluid leaks. If your vehicle has a brake fluid leak, you should have your vehicle towed immediately to a garage. If you see yellowish fluid leaking under the brake pedal or close to the front wheel, then that is most likely brake fluid.
You should avoid driving your vehicle if it has a brake fluid leak. The brake fluid maintains the pressure of your brakes. Insufficient pressure can cause brake failure and render your vehicle unsafe to drive.
If you notice any of these common fluid leaks, you should take your car to a skilled mechanic right away. You can bring your vehicle to a Jiffy Lube near you. You don’t need to schedule an appointment for service. Just bring your car to any of our service centers, and we will fix it in no time.
