Why is My Car Leaking Water?

If you notice water leaking from under the car, what should you do? A car leaking water isn’t uncommon, and it’s not always a serious problem. However, it’s important to make sure that it’s just water and nothing else. Simple condensation accumulates during your daily drives across Chatham and Rochester. For example:

• Auto air conditioning systems will create condensation. You might notice your car leaking water near the back of the engine compartment.
• Exhaust condensation can develop near the tailpipe of your vehicle, though it usually goes away once your muffler warms up.

But, what if you’re not sure where the water is coming from? Let’s go through some quick diagnostics!

What Fluid is Leaking from my Car?

If you’re not sure if your car is leaking water or another fluid, we recommend some DIY troubleshooting to narrow down the issue. Place a sheet of white paper under your vehicle, and look at the color. Here are some colors you might see:

• Red – Transmission Fluid or Power Steering Fluid
• Orange – Transmission Fluid or Radiator Coolant
• Yellow – Radiator Coolant
• Green – Antifreeze from Water Pump, Hoses, or Radiator
• Blue – Windshield Wiper Fluid
• Dark Brown – Brake Fluid or Older Engine Oil
• Light Brown – Newer Engine Oil or Gear Lubricant
• Pink – Power Steering Fluid or Transmission Fluid

Causes of Car Water Leaks

After you determine the color, do a little investigating to find out just where the fluid is leaking from:

• Is water leaking from under your car? If there is a large amount of water coming from the exhaust, you may have a blown gasket. Usually the water is accompanied by white smoke.
• Is coolant leaking from your car? Double check by popping the hood and checking your coolant levels to see if they are unusually low.
• Is windshield wiper fluid leaking from your car? You’ll see pools of liquid by the front tires. Check your fluid reservoir to see if you notice any cracks.

A little bit of water leaking from under the car is generally just condensation and is no cause for concern. But if you notice another fluid or a great deal of water coming from your car, it’s time to schedule your service with us in Springfield!

Learn More About Fluid Leaks with Green Dodge

No need to drive around Decatur with any car concerns. Get in touch with us at Green Dodge for expert advice from our talented technicians. Contact us with your questions, and we’ll be happy to help you bring your car back to great shape!