When you own a vehicle, you take on a lot more responsibility than ever before. In order to ensure that you vehicle is up and running to full capacity, you need to inspect it regularly. Of course, it is possible to know if something is wrong by watching for leaking fluids. It is actually very easy to spot a vehicle that has been leaking. In most cases, you will be able to back the vehicle up and look underneath. Do you see spots, where fluids have leaked from your car? If you happen to see leaked fluids, you will need to find out where the fluids are coming from and what they are.
Is it your car leaking fluid?
In a lot of parking spots, there will be fluids on the ground. While they might have come from your vehicle, they might not have. Therefore, you will be to inspect your vehicle to find out, whether or not the fluids came from your vehicle. In order to do this, you will need to get underneath the vehicle and look. It is helpful, if you use a flashlight. Of course, you can also place a large sheet of paper or a few pieces of paper towel under your vehicle. After approximately ten minutes, you should check the paper to see whether or not it is your vehicle that is leaking.
Oil Leaks
In order to determine if you have an oil leak, you should place your finger in the fluid and take a close look at it. Remember that oil is normally an amber color. Of course, it will look dark brown, when it gets older. If you discover an oil leak, you should make sure to tighten your vehicle’s oil filter to ensure that it isn’t loose. It is also a good idea to check the vehicle’s oil pan plug. These areas cause a lot of leaks. If you still haven’t found the leak, you will need to inspect all of the oil hoses.
Coolant/Anti-freeze
In most cases, you will be able to tell easily, if you’ve got a leak in coolant and anti-freeze. If your car is beginning to overheat, it is likely that you’ve got a leak or another problem. Remember that you should never attempt to open the cap on your vehicle’s radiator, when the vehicle is hot. This can cause the fluid to boil up and shoot into your face. Therefore, you need to let it cool, before opening the lid.
Transmission Fluids
If you’ve checked these fluids and haven’t found a leak, you will need to begin checking the remaining fluids. Be sure to check the transmission fluid and see whether or not any is missing. If you have a severe transmission leak, you will have a difficult time turning your steering wheel. Be sure to remember this, when trying to find the source of your leak.