Why is My Car Leaking Water?

Have you noticed your car leaking water in your driveway or parked on the street in Muscle Shoals? Don’t panic. Usually the cause of a car leaking water is not a serious issue; it’s probably not a leak at all! Condensation from the air conditioning system or tailpipe can drip down and make it look like your car is leaking something. There are more serious issues with leaking fluids — and some are easy to mistake for water if you don’t know what you’re looking for.

Read on to learn more, and visit the Greenway Toyota of the Shoals service center near Florence if you need extra peace of mind on what might be dripping from your car.

Identifying the Cause of Leaking Water

So have you seen water leaking from under car? Here is how you can determine whether it is a normal occurrence or something that needs attention. 

• Place a sheet of paper under the leak. If the fluid is water, no color will appear on the paper. If the fluid is not water, you will notice color left behind on the sheet of paper. Common hues are blue, green, or yellow.
• If you notice quite a bit of water coming from your exhaust, it may be due to a blown gasket. When this happens, coolant is also burned along with fuel. You will probably also see white smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe.
• In addition to identifying coolant by color, an added step you can take is to check the coolant level. If the coolant level does turn out to be low, your vehicle should be evaluated by a service technician.
• What else could be causing a leak? You may have a cracked windshield wiper fluid reservoir. While you should use windshield wiper fluid, some people will will their reservoir up with water. All it takes is one cold snap for it to freeze, expand, and weaken the reservoir. If the fluid is light blue or light green in color and the leak is near the front tires, it often is windshield wiper fluid. 

How to Determine the Problem 

If the fluid leaking from the vehicle isn’t clear, then it’s almost certainly not water. The guide provided below can help diagnose the issue before you set up your next service appointment:

• 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

Rely on Greenway Toyota of the Shoals for All of Your Service Needs

Whether you have a car leaking water or another vehicle issue entirely, the team at Greenway Toyota of the Shoals can help. Be sure to take a look at our current service specials to help you save on your next visit. Contact us today if you have any questions.