Finding a puddle or drip under your car is never a great way to start the day. Sometimes, it’s harmless; other times, it’s a warning sign that something critical is leaking. The hard part is knowing which is which. Not all leaks are created equal—some are nothing to worry about, while others can quickly turn into costly repairs or safety issues.
If you’ve spotted fluid under your car and aren’t sure what it is or whether you should keep driving, here’s what to look for, what it might mean, and when you should act fast.
Start With Color and Location
One of the easiest ways to get a clue about what’s leaking is to look at the color and location of the fluid. Different systems in your vehicle use different types of fluids, and each has its own look and feel. While you won’t be able to diagnose the issue completely just by glancing, you can narrow it down enough to know if it’s urgent.
A puddle near the front of the car? It might be coolant, oil, or transmission fluid. Something toward the rear? Possibly brake fluid or water from the exhaust system. Each location offers a hint about what system could be affected.
What Common Leaks Look Like
These are the most frequent fluid leaks you’ll see and how to tell what’s what.
Engine Oil
Dark brown to black, slick to the touch, and slow to evaporate. Usually found under the engine area. A small oil leak isn’t immediately dangerous, but if it’s more than a few drops or happens frequently, it’s time to take action. Running low on oil can cause major engine damage.
Coolant (Antifreeze)
Usually bright green, pink, orange, or yellow with a slightly sweet smell. A coolant leak might appear near the front of the engine or under the radiator. It’s more serious than it looks—low coolant can lead to overheating and engine damage. If you see it, don’t ignore it.
Transmission Fluid
Typically red or reddish-brown. Found under the center or front of the car. A leak here can cause poor shifting, slipping gears, or total transmission failure if left unresolved. This one should be checked out quickly.
Brake Fluid
Clear to yellowish and slippery. Often leaks near the wheels or under the brake master cylinder. This is a safety issue—low brake fluid can lead to brake failure. Don’t drive if you suspect a brake fluid leak.
Power Steering Fluid
Reddish or amber and oily. Often found near the front of the vehicle, where the steering pump or lines run. Low fluid can cause hard steering or groaning noises. Not immediately dangerous but should be addressed soon.
Water (from A/C)
Clear, odorless, and usually pools under the passenger side. Completely normal, especially in warm weather when the air conditioner is running. This isn’t a leak—just condensation from the evaporator draining properly.
The Leak Is More Than Just an Inconvenience
Even if the leak doesn’t seem serious, it could still cause problems over time. Some leaks, like a small oil seep, may be manageable in the short term. But others—especially brake fluid or coolant—can quickly lead to unsafe conditions or major damage.
You should be especially cautious if:
- The fluid has a strong or foul odor
- The amount leaking is increasing
- Warning lights have come on
- You hear new noises while driving
- Your engine temperature runs hotter than normal
Fluid leaks don’t just signal problems—they can actively cause them. A leaking seal might lead to contamination inside your transmission. A slow coolant leak can silently damage your head gasket. Even small issues snowball if ignored long enough.
DIY or Professional Help
If you’re comfortable identifying fluids and topping off levels, there’s no harm in taking a quick look. Check your fluid reservoirs, watch for drops in levels, and take note of how quickly the leak seems to return.
But when in doubt—or when the fluid type is unclear—it’s best to have a JC Motors inspect the vehicle. Our technicians will pinpoint the source of the leak, check related components, and let you know whether a repair is needed now or can wait.
Catching problems on time is always cheaper than waiting for a breakdown.
JC Motors – Leak Diagnosis and Repair in Tualatin, OR
Not sure what’s dripping from your car? Bring it to
JC Motors in Tualatin, OR, for a fast and thorough leak inspection. We’ll identify the source, explain the issue, and get it taken care of before it turns into something bigger.
