We all have them at some point or another; spots left behind when we move our cars.
These spots are unsightly and can be difficult to remove – and a lot of us really have no idea what makes these spots or what this means for your vehicle. Perhaps you have a neighbor who tells you its only condensation. However, it’s most likely not just water and of course, you’d probably rather not leave these spots on the driveways of friends and relatives either!
How can you find out what these spots really mean? We sat down with a master technician who helped us to make sense of it all.
Identifying the Fluids
The first step is to figure out what is leaking from your car in the first place. The technician advised us to place a large piece of white cardboard underneath the car – make sure that you place it where you tend to see the spot. Let it sit there overnight.
The following morning, just pull out the cardboard and have a look at any leaks. The color and texture of the spots on your cardboard should be a good guide to help you determine what’s leaking.
- Engine Oil – A black, oily spot usually indicates engine oil. To check, drip a little engine oil (use a dipstick for this) beside the spot on the cardboard and compare. If you have a match and the spot is larger than about an inch in diameter, call a mechanic.
- Transmission Fluid – If you have a spot which is red and oily, you’re most likely leaking transmission fluid. If you’ve ever heard someone talking about having ruined their transmission, having too little transmission fluid is probably the cause. You should take your car in for repairs immediately if you see these leaks, since it can cost thousands of dollars to replace your transmission.
- Coolant Leaks – Coolant leaks are usually green or yellow in color and slightly oily in texture. To make sure that you have a coolant leak, follow the small black hose which runs from your radiator. This will lead to your coolant recovery tank. If this tank is empty, then you definitely have a coolant leak. You can find the exact spot by having your mechanic pressure test your coolant system.
- Brake Fluid – A clear, oily spot is most likely brake fluid. You’ll tend to see these near the wheels. If you see brake fluid leaking, have your car checked out immediately! You could lose break function if you run out of this vital fluid.
- Other Spots – Clear and non-oily spots are usually air conditioning system leaks or windshield washer fluid. Check the hoses for cracks. If you don’t find anything, then have a mechanic test for leaks.
Our Master Technician informed us that while a car can run on low fluids, if these levels get too low or are depleted, your car could suffer a lot of damage. Regular maintenance is the best way to prevent these leaks. Remember, an ounce of prevention beats a pound of cure any day and will keep your extended car warranty in force.
