Identifying Leaks in a Used Car | What to Watch Out For
Overlooking a leak can be hazardous to your car's health. Leaks in the cooling system can cause the engine to overheat, shortening its life. An engine oil leak, if left unchecked, will increase friction between moving metal engine parts to the point where the parts fuse together from the heat. The only normal leak you should ever see in your car is water coming from the AC unit on a hot Texas summer day.
Fluid leaks are noticed as puddles or stains on a garage floor or a frequently used parking space. Identify the fluids by placing a small container or a sheet of white paper under the car where the leak is occurring. Remember, however, that a fluid may run along pipes or flanges before it appears elsewhere in a car. The fluid level will drop, but there will be no visible leak in may cases.
Antifreeze can be clear or tinted yellow or green. It is thicker than water and has a slightly sweet smell. Your transmission can also leak. Automatic transmission fluid, which is often colored red, is sometimes used as power steering fluid. Check the power steering pump reservoir to confirm. Shock absorber fluid is a light oil that leaves a dark stain on tubular shocks. Windshield washer fluid is a detergent-and-water solution with alcohol added to prevent freezing. It often has a slippery feel and is another common source of leaks.
Gases can also escape from certain parts of a car and be potentially harmful, especially in older makes and models.
Fluid leaks are noticed as puddles or stains on a garage floor or a frequently used parking space. Identify the fluids by placing a small container or a sheet of white paper under the car where the leak is occurring. Remember, however, that a fluid may run along pipes or flanges before it appears elsewhere in a car. The fluid level will drop, but there will be no visible leak in may cases.
Antifreeze can be clear or tinted yellow or green. It is thicker than water and has a slightly sweet smell. Your transmission can also leak. Automatic transmission fluid, which is often colored red, is sometimes used as power steering fluid. Check the power steering pump reservoir to confirm. Shock absorber fluid is a light oil that leaves a dark stain on tubular shocks. Windshield washer fluid is a detergent-and-water solution with alcohol added to prevent freezing. It often has a slippery feel and is another common source of leaks.
Gases can also escape from certain parts of a car and be potentially harmful, especially in older makes and models.