We all love our vehicle, but many don't love the maintenance you have to put into your vehicle for it to continue to run smoothly. Lucky for you, when you service your ride with us here at King Volkswagen, you don’t have to get your hands dirty and you could score huge savings! So if you find that your vehicle is in need of some maintenance and you don’t have time to do it yourself or you just don’t want to, schedule an appointment today or just stop in! Big or small, we can get the job done for you in no time! We’re talking about servicing your vehicle because this week we are talking about an issue that many car owners run into, mysterious fluid leaks. Have you ever pulled out of a parking spot and noticed a large puddle or stain right where your vehicle was? If so, you know that panic that quickly sets in. However, this week we want to help calm your nerves with some simple and easy to remember tips if you find yourself in this situation! Did you know that you can figure out what part of your vehicle is leaking just by the color and texture of the fluid that’s leaking? Yup, it’s true, and that means you can quickly determine the issue and get it fixed asap! So, to help you in this situation, we have provided a color guide for you below! King Volkswagen’s Color Guide To Leaking Fluid LIght brown to black: If the fluid leaking from your vehicle is a brownish/black color, chances are its motor oil. This can leak from various spots of your vehicle, but if it is leaking from the center and the odor smells like rotten eggs, the culprit could be a lube oil leak. This won’t stop your vehicle dead, but it means that there is an ongoing issue and you should bring your vehicle in for a professional examination Light yellow to dark brown: Brake fluid starts out as a clear/yellow color and as it ages it becomes dark brown, similar to motor oil. An easy way to distinguish is simple, just feel the fluid. If the fluid feels slippery, it’s likely brake fluid. If this is the case, your vehicle is not safe to drive and you’re going to want to bring it in for repair as soon as possible. Red(ish): If the fluid leaking from your vehicle is a red or reddish color, it’s generally power steering fluid. Power steering fluid will leak from under the front part of your car and is thin in texture. If this is the case, there is an issue with the power steering pump. Orange: If the leak is from the center of your vehicle and the fluid is an orange/reddish-brown color, it could be transmission fluid. However, rust from your radiator mixing with an antifreeze leak can appear orange-ish as well. However, antifreeze will be thin and can leak from anywhere, which could help you determine the difference. Yellow, Green, or Pink: These leaks will be the easiest to spot, and typically the simplest to diagnose. More times than not, the cause of such bright puddles is a simple coolant leak. In these cases, your vehicle’s age comes into play. Older vehicles tend to blow off a bit of coolant when the engine gets too hot, so a few little spots are nothing to worry about. If your vehicle is newer, this coolant shouldn’t be dripping any excess liquids so it might be a good idea to bring it in for a look. Clear: If the fluid leaking from your vehicle looks like water, it probably is water. The air conditioning can build up excess condensation and result in puddles of water underneath your vehicle. This occurs in properly running cars, only be worried if it becomes constant and a lot.
