One morning you head out, coffee in hand, ready to take on the day—and there it is. A dark patch on the driveway right under your car. First thought? “Is that mine?” Second thought? “How bad is this?”
Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Fluid leaks are one of the most common car issues, and catching them early can save you from bigger (and more expensive) problems down the road. So, let’s break down how to check for a leak and figure out what might be going on.
Start With the Basics: Where’s the Leak?
The first thing to do is identify where the leak is coming from. Park your car on a flat, clean surface—like concrete or a driveway—and leave it overnight. In the morning, check for fresh spots.
If you’re really keen, place a piece of cardboard or an old bedsheet under your engine area before going to bed. That way, you’ll see exactly where the leak lands and what color it is. Color and location will tell you a lot.
What Does the Fluid Look Like?
Here’s a quick cheat sheet based on fluid color and texture:
- Clear and watery? It’s probably just condensation from your air conditioning. Totally normal.
- Brown or black and slick? That’s likely engine oil. Darker color usually means it’s due for a change.
- Reddish or pinkish? That could be transmission fluid or power steering fluid.
- Bright green, orange, or pink with a sweet smell? That’s coolant (antifreeze). This one’s important—coolant leaks can lead to overheating.
- Light yellow to brown with a slippery feel? Brake fluid. This one’s serious. Don’t mess around with brake leaks.
- Blue or green and watery? Probably windscreen washer fluid—not critical, but annoying if you’re out.
If the color’s hard to tell, dab a bit with a paper towel or tissue and check it under good lighting.
Check Under the Bonnet
Once you have an idea of what fluid it might be, pop the bonnet and inspect fluid reservoirs and lines:
- Look for drips, damp hoses, or crusty build-up around caps.
- Feel around connectors (gloves help here).
- Don’t open a radiator cap when the engine is hot—let it cool first!
A torch and a rag go a long way during this step.
Pay Attention to the Smell
Yes, really—your nose can help. Some fluids have distinct scents:
- Coolant smells sweet.
- Transmission fluid can smell burnt.
- Oil has a distinct greasy, earthy smell.
It’s not foolproof, but sometimes a whiff tells you more than a look.
When to Worry (And When Not To)
Don’t worry if it’s just a bit of clear water near the passenger side. Like we said, that’s just condensation from the air-con.
Start to worry if:
- The spot is growing daily.
- You see multiple types of fluid.
- The car starts acting strange—like rough shifting, overheating, or brake issues.
Any sign that your vehicle’s performance is being affected? It’s time to get it checked.
How a Tow Truck Can Help
If you suspect a brake fluid leak, power steering fluid leak, or anything that could compromise your car’s safety, don’t risk driving it. We’ve towed cars with leaks that turned into breakdowns just a few kilometres later.
Give us a call and let a mechanic take it from there. It might be a small fix—or something you caught just in time.
A Good Habit to Build
Keeping an eye out for leaks isn’t just for when something looks suspicious. Make it part of your regular car check routine. A quick glance under your car every now and then can catch leaks early and save you a bunch of hassle.
And hey, if you’re ever unsure or don’t feel confident checking it yourself, we’re just a phone call away. It’s always better to ask than guess—especially when it comes to keeping your car (and your wallet) in good shape.
If you are in Craigieburn, Victoria 3064, and looking for a nearby towing service, this is the best way to visit us.
Reservoir Towing
58 Anstey Ave, Reservoir VIC 3073
(03) 7046 4990
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