The dipstick should have a full line on it. If the fluid levels are below the full line, there may be a leak. Some vehicles do not have a standard dipstick and may need to be checked through a fill plug on the transmission.
My car's leaking brown/black fluid
A puddle of amber, brown or black liquid under your car is probably engine oil, but if you want to be sure get close enough to touch it. If it feels slick and it's hard to get off your fingers, it's almost certainly oil.
Transmission fluid leaks will appear closer to the center of the vehicle. Transmission fluid is sometimes difficult to distinguish from oil; however, this fluid has more of a reddish color and smells similar to gasoline.
Contact a mechanic so they can inspect and repair the fluid leak. Water: Water sometimes leaks from the air conditioner. So, if you see a clear thin leak coming out from your vehicle, there is no need to worry. This is common and does not need any repairs.
If the puddle under your vehicle is colorless and odorless, there is a good possibility it is just water dripping from your vehicle's air conditioning system. This is actually the most common culprit.
Power Steering Fluid Leaks
Like transmission fluid, power steering fluid will range between light reddish brown to brown on the color spectrum. However, the viscosity will be thin and the leak will be located closer to the front end of your vehicle.
In the vast majority of cases, your car leaking water is usually condensation from the air conditioning system, or from the exhaust. If you see water dripping from under your car when ac is on around the rear of the engine compartment, it's likely going to be just AC condensation.
When the seal between the transmission and pan deteriorates over time, it can corrode, crack, wear out or even dissolve after a while. When this happens, your vehicle transmission fluid may leak when parked. The best way to prevent this problem is to inspect the pan and gasket position.
Black or dark brown fluid with a slight burnt smell leaking from the front end of your vehicle is usually the sign of an engine oil leak. If you notice engine oil leaking from your car, check under the front end to make sure the oil pan is in the proper position and the oil filter is snug.
Clues You Have an Antifreeze Leak
You might be able to smell it from behind the wheel as well. Puddles under the car of lime-green, orange, pink, or blue-green after you've parked. Antifreeze makers use those dye colors to differentiate coolant from other fluids used in cars.
Check the Valve Cover Gasket for Oil Leaking
The valve cover gasket sits between the valve cover and the engine. If it's leaking oil, you'll see it leaking from the cover down along the engine. If the exhaust manifold is below it, it may be burning oil off and you'll be able to smell it.
Main symptoms and signs of amniotic fluid leakage include: Wet underwear, but the fluid is odourless, colourless; Wet underwear more than once a day; Decreased movement of the baby in the uterus, when there has already been a major loss of fluid.
While it is not especially dangerous to continue driving with a leaking transmission fluid, it can cause catastrophic damage to your engine. As soon as you notice your car is leaking transmission fluid, you should seek to contact a certified mechanic to have your transmission fluid serviced.
Red fluid: A leak that is pink or dark red in color is likely transmission fluid. This should smell odorless and originate near the middle or front of your car. If you confirm this as the source of the leak, check the transmission fluid levels and refill as needed.
If you notice your vehicle leaking red fluid, this is the transmission. This red color helps easily identify the problem, but sometimes, it takes more than the color to know about a transmission leak. Other signs to be aware of include: Odor: Transmission fluid usually smells like petroleum.
Light Yellow
If you see yellow fluid leaking from your vehicle, do not drive it. The fluid dripping from your car is probably brake fluid. When fresh, brake fluid is light yellow in color but gets darker as it ages. If not maintained, it can even look like a dark brown.
Leaks commonly occur at junctions where a rubber hose transitions to a hard line or where a hard line screws into the rack or pump.
If you have a soft hose leaking it's best to replace that hose. The last and most common power steering fluid leak location is in the actual steering gear or rack. This is the most common leak location because the seals here are subject to the most road grime and dirt that can wear the shafts and seals.
A few drops of water leaking from underneath your car is most often a normal occurrence. When it's uncomfortable outside and you have the A/C on full blast to keep you from melting into a puddle on the sidewalk, your cooling system is working harder than normal.
When water is dripping from your car's A/C, most of the time it will happen on the passenger side. This is where the evaporator drain tube is located. The evaporator allows cold liquid refrigerant to absorb heat as it transforms into a gas. This process can cause condensation, like a glass of ice water on a hot day.
The dashboard oil light
It will alert you if the oil level or oil pressure is lower than normal. While it doesn't automatically indicate a leak, it does require further inspection.