Why is My Car Leaking Water?

Is your car leaking water? Usually, water leaks aren’t caused by anything serious. When your car’s air conditioning system is being used, it creates condensation. It’s normal to see water puddles around the rear of the engine compartment. You may also notice water behind the tailpipe caused by exhaust condensation. When the muffler warms up, the warmth should stop the condensation. Problems arise when your car is leaking fluid, but it’s not water. Schedule an appointment at our service center, and our factory-certified technicians will address any issues with leaking fluid. 

How to Identify Water Leaking From Under Car

Have you noticed water leaking from under your car? These tips can help you identify the leaking fluid and where it’s coming from: 

• Put a sheet of paper under the source of the leak. If the fluid is transparent on the paper, it’s more than likely just water. If you notice a blue, green, or yellow tint to the fluid, it could be coolant. 
• A blown gasket can cause coolant to be burned with the fuel, which results in excessive water leaking from the exhaust. White smoke may also leak from the exhaust pipe. 
• If you suspect a coolant leak, check the coolant level. If it’s low, bring your vehicle to our service center. 
• Your windshield wiper fluid reservoir may leak if it’s cracked. This can happen if you use water with your windshield wiper fluid. In cold temperatures, the water may freeze and expand, causing cracks in the plastic container. Usually, windshield wiper fluid is light blue or light green and tends to leak near the front tires. 

Car Fluid Colors 

If you place a sheet of paper under a leak and it’s not water, you could have a car fluid leak on your hands. The first step is identifying the fluid. Here are the possible sources of the leak, based on color: 

• 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

Schedule a Service Visit at Big Star Buick GMC 

Is your car leaking water, or is it a more serious issue? The service experts at Big Star Buick GMC can find the source of the leak and repair it. Contact our service department online or call us at (800) 490-5593 to learn more about our service menu and prices. In the meantime, check out our service & parts tips hub to learn more about topics like tire changes, oil changes, car maintenance, and more.