What Is The Red Fluid Leaking From My Vehicle?
Noticing any puddles or visible leaks around your vehicle is a worrying sight, as you know one of the essential fluids of your vehicle may be leaking.
These leakages can be difficult to diagnose if you don’t know exactly where it’s coming from, but fortunately, the fluid itself can tell you a good amount of information on what may be wrong with your vehicle. If you wipe the fluid up with some paper towel and see a red to reddish-brown color, here are some of the systems that could be the culprit of your leak.
What Systems Use Red Fluid?
Generally, there are two major systems in modern cars that employ a red-colored fluid. The power steering system and the transmission. Despite using hydraulic fluids of a similar hue, these systems accomplish completely different things in your vehicle.
Power Steering Fluid
Hydraulic power steering systems rely on the incompressible nature of fluid to assist in turning the vehicle. Modern cars are heavy, and wrestling with the entire weight of the vehicle is a struggle, even dangerous. The power steering system allows for you to make the maneuvers and turns you need to while driving to keep your drive comfortable and your vehicle safe.
By transferring fluid to different sides of the steering rack, the hydraulic fluid lessens the amount of force needed to turn the wheels. Over time, the various components of this system can wear down, allowing vital power steering fluid to leak from the vehicle.
Low power steering fluid levels are often accompanied by a whining or squealing noise when turning the steering wheel, which is a telltale sign that your leak is the result of damage, corrosion, or wear in your power steering system. Not only is this an annoyance, severely low power steering fluid may even cause the pump to fail, preventing the system from assisting in your turns. If you notice any noises or unusual feelings when turning, it’s important to have your steering system inspected by a trusted professional as soon as possible to prevent further damage or dangerous situations on the road.
The consistency and scent may also tell you a lot about the source of the fluid, as power steering fluid tends to have a thin and oily texture and a mild smell, while transmission fluid will have a stronger smell of petroleum.
Transmission Fluid
Transmission fluid is also hydraulic to transfer force to internal components like the clutch and bands, however, it also contains lubricative additives to reduce friction throughout the gearbox and ensure each gear change is smooth.
Of course, leaking transmission fluid is also a major concern, as without it the internal components of the transmission will experience increased friction, wear, and could even prevent the transmission from shifting properly. Signs of low transmission fluid levels include rough/hard shifts, grinding or whirring noises, or a burning smell coming from the vehicle.
If you notice any of the symptoms, it’s crucial to have your vehicle’s transmission inspected as soon as you can to prevent expensive damage to one of your vehicle’s most important systems.
Leak Diagnostics & Repair at Carlsbad Auto Service
No matter what kind of fluid you see leaking from your vehicle, it’s always important to have your vehicle inspected and pinpoint the exact source of your issue. At Carlsbad Auto Service in Carlsbad, CA, our technicians have extensive experience in diagnosing and repairing fluid leaks on a wide array of makes and models. Don’t let your leak linger and risk more expensive failures down the line, give us a call or schedule online today to secure your appointment!