Reasons for Cars Leaking Fluid and what to do
There can be many reasons for a car to lose fluid. Car uses three kinds of fluid, engine oil, hydraulic fluid and water or anti freeze. If you’re car is losing hydraulic fluid the car could be in a dangerous condition as this is the fluid which controls the brakes. Hydraulic fluid leaks will need to be repaired as a matter of urgency.
Hydraulic fluid can leak from the master cylinder or from the brakes. Look at the master cylinder to see any signs of leaking. Check the hydraulic reservoir for loss of fluid. If the breaking system is good, hydraulics need to be rarely topped up. Next, look on the inside of each road wheel. If you see a small spot of fluid on the ground close to the wheel suspect a leak. The leak can come from the wheel’s brakes or from a flexible brake hose on the brake caliper.
Engine oil leaks usually look like thick black puddles under the car. Many leaks are caused by damage to the engine sump which has caused oil to escape. Some leaks can come from universal joints, clutch housing, gearbox or rear axle.
Engine oil leaks my not disable the car but can cause extra expenses if the engine needs to be constantly topped up with oil to compensate for the loss. Engine oil can spoil the look of a drive or garage floor. The leak may become worse and should be repaired as soon as possible especially if the leak is coming from the gearbox or rear axle.
Coolant leaks can come from split hoses, damaged radiators or a faulty water pump. It can also be due to lose hose clips. All the above, if left unattended can cause major repairs and should be sorted as soon as possible. First, inspect the hoses for leaks or splits. Look around the radiator for leaks. Radiators often leak or crack close to where the hoses connect. Sometimes something sharp has entered the car and damaged the radiators veins. Water pumps usually give some warning they are about to fail. Usually there is a loud squeaking noise from the water pump bearings as they begin to break up.
To diagnose faulty water pump; start the car and open the hood. Peer in and look for leaking from the water pump or a fine spray of liquid which might make the whole engine compartment wet. A failed water pump will need to be replaced immediately.
