Are you familiar with all of the fluids in your car? Cool Green Auto wants to help you to identify the various fluids you might eventually see leaking underneath your car.
Windshield Wiper Fluid
It doesn’t circulate through your engine, but you could very well spot a windshield wiper fluid leak. This is the fluid that looks most like water and it’s usually tinted a very pale blue. The reservoir can spring a leak, as can any of a number of hoses that direct the wiper fluid where it needs to be.
Transmission Fluid
Your car needs transmission fluid to help lubricate the transmission and to keep the transmission cool. Newer transmission fluid is red or reddish in color. Old transmission fluid might be dark brown or even black. This is a fluid you’re more likely to see underneath the back end of your car.
Engine Oil
Your car has to have engine oil or it will seize almost immediately. Failing to change engine oil or letting a leak go for too long can do some serious damage in your car’s engine. Used engine oil is usually darker in color, and your car may have an oil light that lets you know that there’s a problem. Ignore that light and the next one you’ll see before you have huge problems is the check engine light.
Engine Coolant
Engine coolant runs through your car’s entire cooling system in an effort to keep your car’s engine as cool as possible. It filters through a variety of components, like your car’s radiator, as well as hoses and pumps. Any one of those parts or hoses could fail or spring a leak, losing valuable coolant in the process.
Power Steering Fluid
Power steering fluid is what helps you to control your car’s steering more easily. This hydraulic fluid gives your steering wheel more turning power with less movement on your part. This is one fluid that you might not notice as easily in terms of puddling, but you’ll definitely notice a change in steering ability.
Brake Fluid
Brake fluid is crucial for giving your car stopping power. If you’re noticing brake fluid, it’s most likely puddling near one of your wheels, but not always. It’s a good bet that you’re noticing issues with your brakes, too, but don’t chance it. If you see brake fluid, get your brakes inspected.
Spotted a mystery fluid underneath your car? Don’t let it go on too long. Give us a call today at Cool Green Auto in Shepherdstown, WV. We’ll diagnose the issue and get your car fixed right up for you.