A leak from under a car is a serious matter. Finding the source of the leak

At first glance, any wet spot under the car can be similar. However, careful analysis helps to at least roughly identify the source of the leak and take the necessary measures. What kind of leak should you immediately contact a mechanic, what kind of stain should you be so worried about, and in what case is it better not to go anywhere at all? We will advise you on how to recognize a leak in your vehicle.

What will you learn from this post?

• How to identify the source of the leak?
• What is the difference between stains from different operating fluids?
• Is an oil stain under a car a serious matter?

Shortly speaking

Various fluids may leak from the vehicle. If you're pulling out of a parking lot and you see a wet spot where you just stood, take a good look at it and make sure it's not something that will instantly stop you. A few drops of water or washer fluid is not a reason to panic. However, if the stain is greasy and shiny, it's time to call a mechanic. Regardless of whether you find engine oil, brake fluid or coolant in it, it is better not to delay the repair. One of the most dangerous is, of course, a fuel leak, although fixing the problem that causes it does not have to be very costly.

How to identify the source of the leak?

First: identify where the drop is coming from

When the vehicle is flat, it is easy to tell if the spot is growing under the front or rear axle. It's a hint. Most leaks (including engine oil, transmission oil, or radiator fluid) are near the reservoirs, so in front of the machine... However, there is a group of fluids that you will find under other parts of the car. These include, for example, brake fluid, usually visible on the wheels, or differential oil, which appears on the differential (in vehicles with rear wheel drive located on the rear axle).

Second: think about what the stain looks like

The question of what kind of biological fluid comes out of the bowels of your car can be answered not only by the location of the spot under the car, but also by its characteristics: color, smell and even taste. What are the characteristics of each fluid and oil?

Machine oil. If the stain appears on the front of the car, just below the engine, it is most likely a leak. Engine oil is easy to recognize not only because it is the most common hydraulic fluid coming from cars, but also because of its characteristic black or dark brown color. It is slippery to the touch and can smell like a slight hint of burnt-on. An engine oil leak usually indicates a damaged oil pan or a leak in one of the smaller parts: plug, valve cover, or filter. An oil stain under the car indicates that the leak has been long or significant, so your engine has probably not been properly protected for a long time. Lack of lubrication jeopardizes engine performance and the damage it causes will eventually pay off.

Coolant. Radiator fluid has a very distinctive color - usually a toxic green, blue, or red-pink color. It is also easily recognizable by its sweet, nutty scent. It usually drips from the front of the car, under the engine. You can also find it under rotten radiator or water pump hoses and, of course, under the hood, such as under the oil filler cap. This is a sign that coolant is getting into the oil through broken cylinder head gaskets or through the cylinder head itself. Insufficient coolant can cause the engine to overheat. It's not worth the risk.

Transmission oil. Red color, slippery and thick consistency and a peculiar smell of crude oil? It's probably a transmission leak. The problem with this type of fluid is the inability to check its level in the reservoir. You just need to check the status of the entire system from time to time, for example during periodic checks. If the case is damaged, it is not surprising that it will leak. You can also recognize a transmission oil leak by the quality of your ride. A slippery clutch or noisy gearbox is evidence of a low fluid level.

Brake fluid. Although this liquid has a completely different purpose, it is very easy to confuse it with a booster. It is similar in structure and color - the same loose and oily. However, brake fluid may leak along the entire length of the vehicle, especially under the wheels. It is very small, so any change in level directly affects the braking performance. Therefore, its leakage is a serious hazard and must be identified as soon as possible and its source eliminated. Leakage locations vary, with leaky disc brake calipers or drum brake cylinders being the most common. Damaged master cylinders or hoses are less likely to leak.

Power steering fluid. Slippery to the touch, with the consistency of liquid oil. Slightly darker than brake fluid. Usually its leakage is caused by damage to the power steering pump or its hoses. This is a fairly rare leak, but it has a nasty effect. Surely you will immediately feel the change in the quality of the power steering. The most common malfunction is damage to the sealants on the tie rod and steering gear levers.

Full spyrskiwaczy. A washer fluid leak is most often found in the immediate vicinity of the reservoir or pipes. (As for the windshield washer, of course, since the rear wiper gets wet in the trunk.) It's hard to tell from color—they can really differ—but the subtle, watery texture and sweet, fruity smell speak for themselves. . A washer fluid leak can be described as not particularly dangerous for a car. However, you should not ignore the defect: firstly, it is a pity to spend time and money on constantly topping up a bottomless tank, and secondly, you can get a rather high fine for the lack of washer fluid and a dirty windshield. Did you know

Fuel. Gasoline and crude oil are most easily identified by their smell. A greasy, opalescent stain with a pungent odor indicates a problem that is not only wasteful but extremely dangerous. The fuel we use in our vehicles is extremely flammable and can cause an explosion if leaking. Fuel can drip from a dirty filter, a leaking fuel tank, ruptured fuel lines, or the injection system. In any case, contact the service center immediately to replace the damaged parts.

Air conditioning. The air conditioner may also be leaking - water, refrigerant or compressor oil. In the first case, there is nothing to worry about, since water on hot days is just condensate in the evaporator. Any other fluids indicate a leak that can negatively affect other parts of the car, so there is no point in delaying the repair.

Is it time to restock?

If you find a leak under your car, out of the corner of your eye you see a flashing light on the dashboard, or your car is "somehow working", don't wait! Check it out ASAP tank liquid levelwhich may be affected by the error. Then make an appointment with a mechanic - what if something serious?

For working fluids and spare parts see avtotachki.com... We definitely have what you want to replace so as not to get dirty.

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