Car Repair For The Novice: Identifying And Fixing Leaks
Car leaks are inevitable and sooner or later you will have to deal with them. However, some leaks are harmless while others indicate serious problems with a vehicle. Here are some clues on how to identify common car leaks and what to do about them.
Harmless Leaks
During the warmer months of the year when you rely heavily on your air conditioner, you may notice puddles of water that accumulate on your garage floor as your car cools down.
The water puddles are actually nothing to worry about. The water is the result of condensation from the air conditioner. In small cars and sedans, the water will drop from a drain in the front of the car near the passenger side. If you have a larger vehicle, you might have another air conditioner drain near the rear of the car.
If you see a bluish liquid dripping from your car, it is probably windshield wiper solvent. The tube from the wiper fluid reservoir might have a leak or the reservoir could have a hole in it. It is easy and cheap to replace the tubes or patch holes in reservoir tanks with plastic tank repair kits.
Leaks That Call for Mechanics
Some leaks need the attention of an experienced car mechanic. Unless you have experience fixing the following types of leaks, you should get your car to an auto repair shop as soon as you notice the problem.
When your car is leaking oil, you will notice black or dark brown deposits on your garage floor. The leak can be the result of a faulty oil filter, a worn oil gasket or other problems. You do not want to drive around with an oil leak as the problem will cause your car to overheat easily.
If you start to notice that it is very hard to maneuver your steering wheel, your car may have a power steering fluid leak. This is a serious problem and requires immediate attention from a mechanic. The stains from a power steering fluid leak look reddish. If you have high-end vehicle or a foreign car, do not try to replenish the power steering fluid with products from an auto parts shop. Some vehicles only use fluid designed specifically for that vehicle's steering system.
If you notice a stream of greenish fluid coming from your car when it is parked, you have an antifreeze leak. Make sure to clean up any coolant fluid right away if you have pets. The liquid is toxic to animals.
When your brake light starts to come on frequently and your car does not respond rapidly when you use your brakes, you may have a brake fluid leak. Brake fluid is light colored and may look yellow. Do not drive a car with a brake fluid leak. Get it towed to your mechanic to get repaired.
If you notice a leak of pink or red fluid from your car, you may have a transmission fluid leak. You may be able to check the transmission fluid level on your own if your owner's manual has instructions on how to perform the task. Regardless, have your mechanic examine your car to make sure the leak is not the sign of a more serious transmission issue.
For more information and assistance, contact a professional auto repair shop, such as Oak Hollow Tire Car Care Center Inc.