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You’re pulling out of the driveway one afternoon. You glance back in the rear-view mirror and notice a wet spot in the driveway.

Now you get to play everyone’s favorite game: What’s! That! Leak! Unfortunately, in this game you can’t win fabulous prizes. You can, however, successfully troubleshoot your issue and get a good idea of what’s going on under the hood!

Knowing what fluid could be leaking out of your car can let you know whether to rush to a repair shop or just leave it be. Please note that it’s not recommended you touch any automotive fluid without protective gear, like gloves. Don’t allow pets near these fluids as some are acidic or poisonous. Treat any unknown fluids as though they are dangerous, just in case!

 

Is it Engine Oil?

That dark-brown or black fluid is likely engine oil. If it’s just a drip, you can phone your favorite mechanic to see if he can squeeze you in this week for an inspection to find out where the leak is coming from. If it’s just a few drops, the leak isn’t that bad, but get your car in as soon as you can to prevent the leak from getting worse. If it’s a puddle though, you should take it on that day.

It’s always a good idea to check your oil level when you fill up your gas tank. If your oil is a little low, it’s not that bad. If you’re down half a quart or more, there might be a more serious issue that your mechanic should address soon!

 

Is it Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)?

Transmission fluid is dyed red to help tell it apart from engine oil. However, age and use can turn it dark brown over time. It’s a thinner fluid than oil, and smells like petroleum. Low levels of ATF don’t provide enough protection against wear, and a worn-out transmission is expensive to repair. Keep an eye out for red fluid and you can save yourself a lot of future headaches. It’s also recommended that you treat ATF checkups like you would oil changes, just not as often. Check levels every six months, and have it flushed every 30,000 miles or so to make sure your fluid and filter are still performing as needed. A transmission leak is an urgent fix, get it in as soon as you are able to.

 

Is it Power Steering Fluid?

Power steering fluid looks a lot like transmission fluid. The two both age to a dark brown or red and some vehicles use the same fluid for both. Regardless, power steering leaks are typically towards the front left side of the vehicle. If it appears a bit clearer too, that is a good indication as many power steering fluids start out as clear. If left unrepaired, low power steering fluid levels can make it harder to steer, greatly decreasing how well the driver is able to handle the car and increasing the likelihood of getting into an accident.

 

Is it Brake Fluid?

If it’s got a yellow -tint and is slippery, that’s brake fluid. If you’re slightly car savvy, you can always check the reservoir to be sure. The brake fluid is stored in the master cylinder, which usually a semitransparent white color has “high” and “low” fluid levels printed on it so you don’t even have to open it to check. If it is the brake fluid or you’re just unsure, it’s best to bring it in to your favorite service center that day or as soon as possible. Low or leaking brake fluid could become a serious issue very quickly.

 

Is it Radiator Fluid?

A green, blue, or pink leak is probably your coolant. It smells very sweet and is usually a vibrant color to help distinguish it from the rest of the fluids. A home mechanic might be able to fix it themselves, since it could be coming from something as simple as a loose hose. However, it could also mean a leaking radiator. If you aren’t car savvy, it’s best to leave it to professionals to stop a bad leak from getting worse. Coolant leaks can go downhill fast, so bring it to your mechanic quickly. If left unaddressed, a coolant leak could result in your engine overheating, or worse, seizing up completely, leaving you on the side of the road.

 

Could it just be water?

Water dripping off a car is also common, especially in the summer if you use your A/C a lot. If it smells like nothing, feels like nothing, and is clear, it’s nothing to worry about.

It might not be the most fun game to play but identifying what might be leaking from your car goes a long way to helping diagnose the issue. If your mechanic knows where to start looking, they’ll have you safely back on the road as soon as possible!