Why is My Car Leaking Water?
If your car is leaking water, it’s usually not serious. The car’s air conditioning system creates condensation whenever it’s activated. It’s normal to see small puddles of water near the back of the engine compartment. In addition, water near the tailpipe is usually exhaust condensation, and that will go away after your muffler warms up.
However, there can be more serious issues associated with leaking fluids. Feel free to stop by the service center at Cactus Jack's Auto near Mesa for a quick inspection.
Identifying the Cause of Leaking Water
Have you noticed water leaking from under the car? Follow these steps to find where it’s coming from.
- Place a sheet of paper under the leak. If the fluid is something other than water, the color will show up on the paper. If it’s blue, green, or yellow, it’s probably coolant, not water.
- If more than a small amount of water is coming from your exhaust, a blown gasket may be causing coolant to be burned along with the fuel. That will result in large amounts of water and white smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe.
- While coolant is usually easy to spot due to its color, you can always check the level to make sure. If it’s low, you’ll want to bring your car to a certified service center quickly.
- The leak may be coming from a cracked windshield wiper fluid reservoir. That can be caused by using water in your windshield wiper fluid. The water freezes in the reservoir, expanding and causing the plastic container to crack. You can tell it’s windshield wiper fluid by its light blue or light green color. Wiper fluid leaks can usually be found near the front tires.
If the cause is anything other than condensation, it’s worth visiting Cactus Jack's Auto near Mesa.
What Fluid is Leaking from My Car?
If you place a sheet of paper under your vehicle and the leaking fluid isn’t clear, it’s not water. Follow this guide to find out what the problem is, then schedule service at Cactus Jack's Auto:
- Red – Transmission Fluid or Power Steering Fluid
- Orange – Transmission Fluid or Radiator Coolant
- Yellow – Radiator Coolant
- Green – Antifreeze from Water Pump, Hoses, or Radiator
- Blue – Windshield Wiper Fluid
- Dark Brown – Brake Fluid or Older Engine Oil
- Light Brown – Newer Engine Oil or Gear Lubricant
- Pink – Power Steering Fluid or Transmission Fluid
Visit Cactus Jack's Auto for Service Today
Cactus Jack's Auto is happy to help customers from Glendale and beyond identify the source of any leaking fluids. Contact us with any questions today!