Liquid leaks, a warning signal from under the car

Liquid leaks, a warning signal from under the car

Your car is just like your body. If you become sick or there is an abnormality in your body, it will be shown through various signs. A car, too, will send out different signals that you can notice if there is an internal malfunction.

Which type of liquid dripping from under the car can indicate a malfunction?

Today, PTT Lubricants will walk you through the way to identify abnormalities of your car from different types of leaking liquid and the cause of each liquid color. If you’re ready, scroll down!

Clear, colorless and odorless liquid

If the leaking liquid appears clear, colorless and odorless like water, it is actually the wasted water from the operation of the air-conditioning system which is considered normal. However, if there is an abnormal amount of water flowing out of the air conditioner system, it may be caused by clogging of dirt in the sewer pipes. This problem can be solved by temporal removing the sewer pipe from the air conditioning unit for a blow and clean, or let the expert technicians fix it.

Fluorescent green or fluorescent pink liquid, etc.

The leak of these liquids may be caused by "coolant leakage" and can be observed by looking for any fluorescent green, glowy pink liquid, or other colors depending on the manufacturer. The liquid will also be slippery. As the cooling system is a vital system that helps cool the engine, it is recommended to always check the coolant level to be in normal range. The leak in the cooling system could be caused by deterioration of the radiator, water valve, cracks in the drain tank, water pump and rubber hoses. It is important to have it fixed right away as cooling system failure can lead to overheating of the engine and will severely damage the engine, resulting in higher repair costs.

Thick black or brown liquid 

The leak of these liquids may be caused by an "oil leak", which can be noticed as a thick liquid that looks black or brown. This leak can be a result from a deteriorated oil pan rubber seal, loose nuts and washers, etc. When leaks are found, check whether the engine oil level has dropped abnormally or not. If it is below the threshold, it is recommended to add more oil until it reaches the normal level and bring the car to a service center for further inspection.

Thick red or brown liquid 

The leak of these liquids may be caused by "gear oil leak" which can be noticed as a thick liquid that appears red or other colors according to the type of gear oil selected. The leak may be caused by a torn drive shaft seal, deterioration of the gearbox oil pan gasket, loose gear oil drain bolts, etc. If a transmission fluid leak is found, DO NOT dismiss the issue as it may affect the operation of the transmission system. It is advisable to bring the car to the service center immediately.

With this knowledge, you can now deal with the liquid leaks under your cars by always keeping an eye on the color, location and appearance of the liquid dripping from under the car. If it is clear wasted water from the air conditioner, you can continue to use the car normally. If it is another color, you should find the cause and have it fixed immediately. 

However, each type of liquid color may differ depending on car brands. It is recommended to consult a qualified technician to determine the actual cause of the leak to help prevent severe damage that may occur in the future. With care from PTT Lubricants! 💙