Why Is My Car Leaking Fluid? Causes and Fixes for Redding Drivers

Why is my car leaking fluid? Usually a worn gasket, seal, or hose. The color tells you which system: clear water is normal A/C condensation, green or orange is coolant, brown or black is engine oil, red is transmission or power steering fluid, and slick yellowish fluid near a wheel is brake fluid.

Spots under your car are worth a closer look. Put a piece of white cardboard under the car overnight and check the color in the morning. That, and where the puddle sits, tells us where to start.

What the color of the leak means

• Clear and watery: usually condensation from the A/C. Normal, especially in summer.
• Green, orange, or pink and sweet-smelling: coolant. It can lead to engine overheating. Cooling system repair
• Brown or black: engine oil. Common from worn gaskets and seals.
• Red or pink and oily: transmission fluid or power steering fluid. Transmission service or power steering service
• Light yellow to brown and slick, near a wheel: brake fluid. This one is a safety problem. Brake repair

How we find the cause and fix it

1. We check every fluid level and condition. Fluid inspection
2. We clean the area and trace the leak to its source, using dye or a pressure test if needed.
3. You get photos of the leak and an estimate before we repair it.
4. We top off the fluids and recheck for leaks after the repair.

Is it safe to keep driving?

Clear water from the A/C is fine. A slow oil drip can wait a few days if you keep the level topped up. A coolant leak, a fast leak of any kind, or any sign of brake fluid means book now; if the brake pedal feels soft, stop driving and call us.