Serra Mazda “My Car Is Leaking” Guide

Take a look here to see how to figure out what may be behind the leak and the best way to deal with it.

Mazda 'My Car Is Leaking' Service

My Car Is Leaking: What’s Going On? Find Out at Serra Mazda of Brighton, MI

It’s never a fun experience to find a puddle of fluid under your vehicle. After all, it usually means something is not working the way it should be. But just how serious is the problem? What kind of fluid is leaking? What’s the right way to respond? Here at Serra Mazda Brighton, we want to help. Take a look here to see how to figure out what may be behind the leak and the best way to deal with it.

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Diagnosing Leaking Fluid by Color, Feel, Smell, and Location

  • Engine Oil – Leaking oil is usually amber, brown, or black, and it will leak from under the engine — specifically, from under the oil reservoir. Regardless of its color, oil will be slick to the touch and hard to get off of a glove.
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  • Coolant Fluid – Coolant fluid comes in various colors, including orange, green, yellow, and pink. It will leak from the front of the vehicle and will be slimy and sweet-smelling.
  • Windshield Washer Fluid – This fluid also comes in various colors, but you can check your reservoir to see what color fluid you’re using.
  • Power Steering Fluid – This fluid usually leaks from near the front of the vehicle, and it is usually red or brown. It may have a burnt smell.
  • Automatic Transmission Fluid – If you drive a vehicle with an automatic transmission, the fluid will be slick and come from the front of the vehicle. While it ranges in color, it tends to be pink or dark red and has no distinctive odor.
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  • Brake Fluid – Brake fluid is generally light yellow to brown and slick. It usually appears near the wheels when it leaks.
  • Fuel – Both gasoline and diesel will likely look clear on the ground, although they may have a light gold or blue tint. However, both have a distinctive smell that should give them away. These kinds of leaks can show up anywhere along the underside of your vehicle.
  • Water – If you’ve been running the air conditioner, water may drip from under your vehicle. While it is clear like fuel, it is also odorless.

How Should I Deal With the Issue?

Most of these leaks are bad news, with some being very dangerous. Driving with low brake fluid can cause you to lose control of the brakes, and a crash while driving with a fuel leak can lead to fires. Since diagnosing it yourself can sometimes be tricky, it’s not a bad idea to call for a tow truck and bring your vehicle to a dealership for service.

Schedule Service at the Serra Mazda Brighton Service Center

Scheduling a service appointment is easy at the Serra Mazda Brighton service center. Give us a call or use our online service scheduling tool. Then head in, and we will diagnose the cause of your vehicle’s leak.

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Main 810-227-1100 Parts 810-360-4028 Sales 810-360-4029 Service 810-360-4033
8282 W. Grand River
Brighton, MI 48114
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Main: 810-227-1100 Parts: 810-360-4028 Sales: 810-360-4029 Service: 810-360-4033

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8282 W. Grand River, Brighton, MI, 48114
Serra Mazda Brighton 42.550722, -83.790683.