Car Problem Troubleshooting
Check Car Problem Trouble

Car Trouble - Leaks - Check the Color - Oily and Red

Check the color

If you are alert and look for possible leaks under your car, these problems should never get too severe.

Keep an eye for new leaks under car

When you back out of your garage or overnight parking spot, develop the habit of quickly looking to see if any leaks or spots have ð shown up.

Assuming of course that you also have the habit of regularly checking your fluid levels, then when you spot a leak you can assume it’s a new one and not a slow one.

Check your car's fluid levels regularly

But, the majority of car owners simply do not check their fluid levels often enough to be able to assume it’s an old slow leak.

Now confronted with drops of fluid you must first determine which one of the fluids it might be.

Oily and red

This is transmission oil. Although in some newer cars the transmission fluid is dark green and in a car with a worm transmission the color might be dark brown.

Not black

It is not black however and thus you won’t confuse this leak with an oil leak.

Transmission oil

Now that you have discovered fluid on the ground and it appears red, check the transmission oil level. At the same time also check your engine oil level.

Do not overfill

With transmission oil, it is almost as bad to over fill the transmission so be sure to fill according to the dipstick.

If you have been diligent about checking your fluid levels, you know this loss of fluid means you have a new leak and need to take the car to your mechanic to see if transmission seals or your transmission pan gasket are leaking.

Expensive Repair

Even if you are unclear whether it is a slow or leak or a new more rapid leak, a trip to the mechanic is wise as running your transmission with less than the required amount is a very expensive repair.