Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 2: Checking the cisterns
• Method 2 of 2: Spot Detection
• Tips
• Warnings
• You will need

Various fluids are important to keep your machine in good working order. Sometimes, when a leak begins from a node, it can be difficult to notice. This article is about how to tell if your car is leaking some kind of fluid.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Checking the cisterns

1. 1 Check your instruction manual to determine what types of fluids you can test yourself. It should also tell you how much of each fluid you need and the type of antifreeze used in your car.
   • If one of the warning lights comes on on the dashboard, you can check the manual for what it means (usually oil or coolant). When one of these lights comes on, it indicates a possible leak.
2. 2 Locate the engine oil dipstick. In many cars, it usually has a yellow handle. If you find it difficult to find it, take a look at your manual.
   • Pull out the dipstick and inspect it horizontally. There are 2 marks on it. One is the top level and the other is the bottom. The oil level should be between these two marks.
   • Wipe off the dipstick with a rag and insert it back into the tank if it shows a normal level. If the level goes beyond these two lines, it indicates a possible leak.
3. 3 Locate the coolant tank. If your engine is cold, check that the fluid level is between the hot and cold mark on the reservoir.
   • Depending on the color of your tank, it is sometimes necessary to remove the radiator cap to see the level. If the liquid is below the cold line or the tank is completely empty, you are sure to have an antifreeze leak.
4. 4 Locate the power steering fluid reservoir. Remove the cover by turning it counterclockwise. A graduated dipstick with a mark is usually built into the lid. If the fluid is below this mark or not on the dipstick, you are leaking.
5. 5 Locate the brake chamber (s) fluid reservoir. There should be a measuring line on its side. If you can't see the liquid clearly, you can open the lid and look inside.
   • If the brake fluid level is very low or not present, you are leaking. It is normal for a slight drop in fluid level if your brake pads are worn out. However, if the pads are new, you may have a slight leak.
6. 6 Check the washer reservoir. Most are transparent so you can easily see the liquid level. If you have a different type of cistern, see what to do next in your guide.
   • Since you are using washer fluid more often, it can be difficult to spot a leak, but if you filled the tank a week ago and the level is low or empty, you most likely have a leak.

Method 2 of 2: Spot Detection

1. 1 Place pieces of cardboard, newspaper, or aluminum foil on the road under your car if you find any stains but do not notice a significant drop in fluid levels. This will help confirm any leaks your machine may have and provide valuable information about them.
   • Examine the material you put under the car the next morning.
   • Pay attention to the location of all spots in relation to the wheels of the car. Knowing your car can help you narrow down the leaks.
2. 2 Check the color and viscosity of the stains.
   • If you see light brown or black spots of medium viscosity, you have an oil leak. Finding a few spots is fine, but if there are more, it's worth checking out.
   • Brown, light brown, or black spots closer to the center of the vehicle are usually transmission fluid. If the color is similar to the color of the transmission fluid, but there are spots under the front of the car, then it is the power steering fluid.
   • A very slippery, pale brown spot indicates a brake fluid leak.
   • The brightly colored liquid spot is antifreeze. The coolant is sold in a variety of colors, including green, red, and yellow.

Tips

• A sweet smell inside or near the car indicates antifreeze leakage.
• Some vehicles do not have a transmission oil dipstick. If you notice spots that look like transmission oil, you need to contact your auto mechanic.

Warnings

• Do not remove the radiator cap while the engine is still hot. This could result in serious injury.

You will need

• Gloves
• Paper towels
• Cardboard newspaper or aluminum foil