Is It Normal for a Car to Leak? Some Leaks Need Attention, Others Can Be Ignored
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Whether it's corporate secrets or a bathroom faucet, leaking is usually considered a bad thing that needs to be fixed immediately, before some form of calamity occurs. But what if you find a puddle of leaking fluid underneath your car, truck, or SUV?
Discovering any fluid collecting under your vehicle may cause concern. Ignoring the puddle could lead to serious damage to your vehicle. But not all leaks are abnormal. Here’s the scoop on which car leaks require your immediate attention and which ones are of no concern at all.
Car Leaks to Ignore
Air Conditioning Condensation: If you notice a puddle of clear, odourless fluid from your vehicle's air conditioning or exhaust system, there's no need to worry.
When a car's air conditioning is functioning properly, it removes humid exterior air from the cabin. This is done by what's called an evaporator, located under the front dashboard or, in larger vehicles such as minivans or three-row SUVs, toward the rear of the vehicle. You'll also find air conditioning systems in the engine bay.
When the air conditioning is working, the evaporator cools the exterior hot and humid air to create cool air, which is then sent through the ventilation system into the car’s cabin. Occupants will feel the cooler air, but the process will also create condensed water, similar to the drops of water that collect on a bottle of ice water left out on a sunny day. The air conditioning system collects the accumulating condensation and then sends it to the ground, typically through a tube. The condensation can then accumulate in the form of a puddle under the engine compartment or beneath the car.
Exhaust Condensation: If you observe water coming out of the end of the vehicle’s exhaust pipe, rest assured, it's just condensation (not from the air conditioning system) and is perfectly normal.
Windshield Washer Fluid: Aside from air conditioning or exhaust condensation, or water running down to the ground after a car wash or driving through a puddle, there's really no other source of water to be dripping from your car — unless, that is, you've spilled windshield-washer fluid while filling up the reservoir. It's typically either blue or purple in colour. If you do find this fluid leaking, check that your reservoir or any of its plumbing is not the cause of the leak.
Car Leaks to Worry About
While there's no need to hit the panic button if you find a puddle of clear, odourless water from from your A/C condenser or exhaust systems, or if you've spilled some washer fluid while topping off the reservoir, you should be concerned if the leaking fluid under your car has a colour, smells strange (such as a burnt or sweet smell), or has a thick, oily consistency.
If you find fluid that is green, pink, or orange in colour, it could be engine oil, transmission fluid, engine coolant, or power-steering fluid (or you've spilled some washer fluid).
Gasoline and brake fluids have a light, transparent appearance, ranging from gold to yellow to brown in colour. In most vehicles, these fluids flow through lines or hoses that travel from the car's engine. Over time, these hoses or lines may be damaged or deteriorate, and if not addressed promptly, this could lead to more serious issues such as engine overheating, poor transmission shifts, or brake failure.
What to Do if You Find Leaking Fluid Under Your Car
It's crucial to be proactive in identifying leaks from your vehicle. Ignoring leaks can lead to serious damage. If you find fluid collecting under your vehicle that is anything but clear, or if it's dense and oily, it's time to give it some attention.
Beyond checking out its colour, you can also gauge the leaking fluid by the way it smells. A sweet, chemical smell is often an indication that your vehicle is leaking engine coolant. Gasoline, with its unmistakable and distinct aroma, is easily identifiable from harmless water. If the fluid has a fishy odour, it's likely brake fluid that's leaking.
Beyond observing its colour and smell, you should verify the type of fluid that's leaking from your car by placing a paper towel or a piece of cardboard under the vehicle in the area of the leak. This will allow you to collect it and inspect it more thoroughly. If it is too far under the vehicle for you to reach, move the car to expose the puddle.
As these fluids can be harmful, it is best to avoid exposing your skin or eyes to them. To be safe, dip a paper towel into the liquid before you smell or touch it. Wearing rubber gloves should also be a precaution.
Leaks from your car are generally undesirable. Even if it appears to be normal water, it's always wise to have a service professional inspect it to confirm its origin, especially if you're unsure of its source.
