Have you ever noticed a puddle of liquid underneath your car? There are many different fluids that can leak from your vehicle, but some leaks are far more serious than others. It’s important to identify which liquid is leaking so you know whether you need auto repair in Denver, CO. Here are some tips to help you identify the fluid that is dripping out of your vehicle:
Transmission Fluid
Transmission fluid has a distinct color and smell that should make it easy for you to identify this type of liquid. You should notice a strong, mechanical smell, and a bright red color if it is transmission fluid that is leaking from your vehicle. Transmission fluid leaks will appear in the front of your vehicle close to the engine. If you spot one of these leaks, it’s important to bring your vehicle in for inspection and repair as soon as possible.
Engine Oil
Engine oil may either be a light brown liquid with a thin consistency or a black liquid with a thick consistency, depending on its age. This is one of the most common types of leaks, and it appears in the front of your vehicle directly under the engine. Don’t ignore this type of leak—schedule an appointment with a repair shop right away so you don’t damage the engine of your vehicle.
Brake Fluid
Another serious issue is a brake fluid leak. Brake fluid is typically a clear or light yellow color, but it becomes darker and browner as it gets older. It may look similar to engine oil, however it will not have the same consistency. Brake fluid tends to be slippery, while engine oil does not. This type of leak can impact your ability to stop the vehicle, so it should be repaired by a professional right away. You may want to consider having your car towed to the repair shop instead of driving it there so you don’t put yourself in danger. Learn how to spot a brake fluid leak.
Condensation
Clear liquid dripping from your car could just be condensation from the car’s air conditioning. Why does this happen? The air conditioner is responsible for removing moisture from the air inside your vehicle. This moisture will then drain through a rubber hose onto the ground underneath the car. The hose used to drain this moisture is usually found in the middle or front right of the passenger cabin, so this is where the leak should be if it is truly just condensation. A condensation leak is nothing to worry about—in fact, it indicates that your car's air conditioner is doing exactly what it is supposed to do.
Do you see fluids leaking out of your vehicle? If so, contact the professionals at Mancinelli’s Auto Repair Center. You can request an auto repair appointment with Mancinelli’s Auto Repair Center online or you can text us. We have many same day services available, and we also provide customers with access to a free shuttle to ensure their needs—and their vehicle—are taken care of.