How to understand what kind of fluid actually flows from the car
- May 2, 2023
- 0
Almost all drivers have encountered a situation where technical fluid flows out of the car. But which one is the big question. How, by drops or a puddle
Almost all drivers have encountered a situation where technical fluid flows out of the car. But which one is the big question. How, by drops or a puddle under the car, to identify the problem that overtook your “iron horse”?
It is easy to guess that you can understand the “quality” of the liquid flowing from the car by the color, smell and places of the stains. To do this, just dip a dry napkin into the liquid so that you know what substance we are talking about.
Perhaps the most harmless is the usual condensate that forms during the operation of the air conditioning system. It is colorless and odorless. As well as it does not pose any danger. But engine oil has a characteristic aroma with hints of gasoline. The color generally depends on the life of the lubricant. The darker it is, the longer the lubricant has been used. If you see drops of oil on the sidewalk, run to a car service. Otherwise you could end up with expensive repairs.
Coolant usually comes in different colors: red, blue, greenish, orange or pink. Antifreeze is difficult to confuse with anything, as it has a sweet smell and a moderately viscous consistency. In fact, such drops appear under the engine compartment, like, in fact, oil. There can be several reasons for the leak. And sometimes antifreeze is even mixed with engine oil. In general, do not pull – visit the service station.
A brown or red puddle indicates that you have transmission fluid in front of you. It is absorbed extremely slowly into the asphalt and has a pungent specific smell. But caramel, yellowish or deep red colors are characteristic of power steering fluid. Usually the leak is noticeable in the area of the left side of the engine compartment. In both cases, it is better to quickly go to the technical center.
A much worse phenomenon for the driver is the leakage of brake fluid, which resembles drops of yellowish or reddish shades. The smell is similar to alcohol. And it can drip in the area from the front to the rear wheels, where the brake lines of the car pass. True, it is extremely dangerous to ride such a machine alone. It is better to use the services of a tow truck.
Finally fuel. Both diesel and gasoline are always transparent, although they turn yellow in some places. Drops of “fuel” evaporate very quickly, which, however, does not prevent them from starting a real fire. The leak is usually under the engine compartment or in the area where the fuel tank is located. It is forbidden to drive a car with leaking fuel.
Photo: AvtoVzglyad
It is easy to guess that you can understand the “quality” of the liquid flowing from the car by the color, smell and places of the stains. To do this, just dip a dry napkin into the liquid so that you know what substance we are talking about.
Perhaps the most harmless is the usual condensate that forms during the operation of the air conditioning system. It is colorless and odorless. As well as it does not pose any danger. But engine oil has a characteristic aroma with hints of gasoline. The color generally depends on the life of the lubricant. The darker it is, the longer the lubricant has been used. If you see drops of oil on the sidewalk, run to a car service. Otherwise you could end up with expensive repairs.
Coolant usually comes in different colors: red, blue, greenish, orange or pink. Antifreeze is difficult to confuse with anything, as it has a sweet smell and a moderately viscous consistency. In fact, such drops appear under the engine compartment, like, in fact, oil. There can be several reasons for the leak. And sometimes antifreeze is even mixed with engine oil. In general, do not pull – visit the service station.
A brown or red puddle indicates that you have transmission fluid in front of you. It is absorbed extremely slowly into the asphalt and has a pungent specific smell. But caramel, yellowish or deep red colors are characteristic of power steering fluid. Usually the leak is noticeable in the area of the left side of the engine compartment. In both cases, it is better to quickly go to the technical center.
A much worse phenomenon for the driver is the leakage of brake fluid, which resembles drops of yellowish or reddish shades. The smell is similar to alcohol. And it can drip in the area from the front to the rear wheels, where the brake lines of the car pass. True, it is extremely dangerous to ride such a machine alone. It is better to use the services of a tow truck.
Finally fuel. Both diesel and gasoline are always transparent, although they turn yellow in some places. Drops of “fuel” evaporate very quickly, which, however, does not prevent them from starting a real fire. The leak is usually under the engine compartment or in the area where the fuel tank is located. It is forbidden to drive a car with leaking fuel.
Source: Avto Vzglyad
Donald Salinas is an experienced automobile journalist and writer for Div Bracket. He brings his readers the latest news and developments from the world of automobiles, offering a unique and knowledgeable perspective on the latest trends and innovations in the automotive industry.
