Your particular car or truck has more than a few different types of fluids for different systems it is equipped with. Everything from oil for the engine, freon for the air conditioning system, to the gasoline it burns. Knowing what these fluid appearances are and where they are located will aid in a speedy repair for your vehicle.
 Oil Leak |
The most likely fluid leak topping the list is an engine oil leak. This could come from almost anywhere on the engine, as oil circulates throughout most of the engine and is circulated under pressure. An oil leak could be something simple as a loose oil filter, a valve cover or covers leaking, to a more serious leak at the rear main bearing seal. If looking at the rear main seal, ensure that it is indeed the rear main seal and not transmission fluid from the input seal on the transmission. Whatever the cause, a gasket, o-ring, or seal replacement will likely be required to stem the leak.
Coolant is another fluid that is very hard to contain. Once again, this fluid circulates through the entire engine under pressure and through the heater core as well for heat inside the vehicle. Loose hose clamps, a faulty upper or lower radiator hose, or a leaking water pump are all culprits here. Heater hoses are in this mix as well because of the coolant that flows through them. When the necessary repair is complete, do yourself a favor and replace the old coolant with new, and mix with water in a 50/50 dilution. Straight antifreeze will actually freeze without water.
Brake fluid is another leak that must be attended to at once for obvious reasons. Without the fluid to do the work of the braking system, you guessed it, no brakes. Rubber hoses at the brake calipers do have a tendency to wear out over time. The steel brake lines that run to each wheel from the master cylinder will rust over time, too. Brake fluid is clear and might be hard to spot, so keep a close eye on the fluid level in the master cylinder. If your vehicle is of the stick shift variety, brake fluid will most likely be used to engage and disengage the clutch. Improper clutch action will be a sign of a low fluid level.
Power steering fluid is another thing that could cause a spot in the driveway. If the vehicle is hard to steer, or you hear an unusual noise from the power steering pump while the engine is running, check the fluid level and find the cause of the leak. Everyone wants a work out, but driving your auto shouldn’t be your gym.
Transmission fluid leaks are generally easy to spot because the fluid left behind is directly under, and in the center of the vehicle. Front seals at the pump, output seal leaks at the driveshaft, and pan leaks on automatic transmissions are the top spots where leaks occur. Once again, replace the faulty seal or gasket and replace the lost fluid. Be aware of the new synthetic fluids used in transmissions, and do not mix old A.T.F. with a synthetic.
On a rear wheel drive auto, the differential is submerged in heavy gear oil. Pinion seals, wheel seals, and axle flange gaskets are good places to start looking. Once again, be aware of different types of synthetic gear lubes that are offered, and find out what your vehicle contains. Top off with the same kind of fluid.
The last fluid leak could well be the most dangerous. Gasoline or diesel fuel. If your vehicle exhibits a strong odor of any type, DO NOT drive the vehicle until all proper repairs have been made. This type of leak is best left for the professional auto or truck technician. Let them earn their pay, and have it done correctly the first time.
Most of these leaks are annoying and can be repaired by the weekend mechanic. Fuel leaks can be out right deadly. Consult a repair manual and follow all the directions, and obey all garage safety rules. Keep the wheels rolling, America.
