When you notice a strange liquid coming from your car, the solution can range from a simple maintenance service to an extensive and costly auto repair. If you see puddles or other signs of a leak, bring the car to a mechanic to determine the cause of the problem. This guide explains a few of the most common fluid leaks drivers detect. Use this information to explain the situation to your auto care team.

Coolant

Coolant leaks are easy to identify, as the fluid is bright green, orange, or pink with a sticky consistency. This leak usually isn’t dangerous for vehicles, but it can be inconvenient during the summer months when you need coolant to regulate the temperature in your car. Neglecting this leak for too long can cause vehicles to overheat and break down, so visit a mechanic for repairs as soon as possible.

Engine Oil 

Puddles that are light brown to black in color and have a strong odor are most likely motor oil. It’s important to monitor this fluid using the dipstick under your vehicle’s hood. If the levels decrease dramatically within a few days, the car is losing oil. This problem could be due to worn pan seals or engine gaskets, so ask the mechanic to check those parts. Depending on the color of the leaking fluid, you may also need an oil change to prevent sludge build-up in the engine.

Brake Fluid

A brake fluid leak is a much more serious problem, as it can compromise your safety. Leaks decrease the braking system’s pressure and can cause a failure that requires extensive brake repairs to fix. Although brake fluid looks similar to motor oil, the easiest way to determine which fluid is leaking is to look at the location. Brake fluid leaks are commonly found near a car’s wheels or under the driver’s side where the pedals are located. If you are concerned about driving safely, have the vehicle towed to the mechanic’s shop. 

Fluid leaks often seem scary, but understanding what the puddles are will help you resolve the situation. The mechanics at Alaskan Auto Center in Anchorage will identify the problem quickly and repair the issue, so you can get back on the road. This team provides a variety of auto maintenance services from fluid replacements and tire rotations to transmission and clutch repairs for affordable prices. Call (907) 522-7035 or visit them online for more information about their services.