Why is My Car Leaking Water?

Have you noticed your car leaking water? Don’t panic. Generally this issue is not caused by anything serious. When your vehicle’s air conditioning system is activated, condensation is produced. Because of this, it is completely normal to see water puddles around the back of the engine compartment. You may also see water behind the tailpipe, which is usually exhaust condensation. This should stop when the muffler is warmed up.

However, if the fluid leaking from your vehicle is not water, it could be a sign of a problem with your vehicle that requires professional attention. Learn how to identify the issue before making an appointment with the Basil Chevrolet Inc. service center.

How to Identify Water Leaking from Under Car

If there is water leaking from under the car, these tips can help you identify the root cause.

• Place a sheet of paper under the leak. If a color appears on the paper, it is not water that is leaking from the vehicle. For example, if the fluid is blue, green, or yellow, it’s probably coolant.
• If you notice a significant amount of water around the exhaust, it could be due to a blown gasket causing coolant to be burned along with the fuel. You may also notice white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe.
• If you think that your vehicle is leaking coolant, you can always check the coolant level as well. If you notice that it is low, it’s time to bring your vehicle into a service center.
• A cracked windshield wiper fluid reservoir can also cause your vehicle to leak fluid. This often happens if you use water in your windshield wiper fluid. The water freezes in the reservoir, and when it expands, it can crack the plastic container. Windshield wiper fluid is often light blue or light green in color, and you will notice the leaking fluid by the front tires.

If, when you placed the sheet of paper under the leak you noticed that the fluid isn’t clear, the guide below can help you identify the fluid leaking from your vehicle.

• 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

Set Up a Service Appointment with Basil Chevrolet Inc.

Is your car leaking water or something more serious? The automotive experts at Basil Chevrolet Inc. can help you diagnose and fix the issue in no time. Contact us today with any questions.