The stains left by a car on the floor may seem like a minor detail. In general, we tend to worry more about the performance of the engine, the condition of the tires or the exterior appearance than about the marks that we may find under the vehicle. However, we should not overlook these stains, as they can be indicators of problems that could affect the safety and reliability of the car. And not only that. They can also lead to costly repairs and environmental damage if not addressed properly.
Let’s see below what the most common causes of these leaks are and how they can affect the general operation of the vehicle. According to Mapfre, only one of these stains, that of water in the hottest months, should not be a cause for concern, since it does not indicate any mechanical problem. Most likely, the liquid comes from the air conditioning and was formed by the effect of condensation.
A trace similar to pen ink, in diesel engines, or honey, in gasoline engines, can reveal that the car is leaking oil. You can confirm this by touching the liquid with the tip of your finger: if it feels viscous and greasy, there is no doubt that it is oil. It is likely that it was caused by a misalignment of the crankcase drain nut or by deterioration of the crankcase itself. It can also be caused by problems with seals, gaskets or fittings.
This component is responsible for maintaining the proper engine temperature. Therefore, it is advisable to ensure that the coolant level is always within the recommended parameters. To recognize if the stain that the car leaves on the ground is from this liquid, we must look at both its color, which can be greenish, bluish, yellow or reddish, as well as its sweet smell given by the glycol it contains. According to Mapfre, these leaks usually come from the engine crankcase or the pressure limiting mechanism of the tank cover.
These stains are usually found in the area of ??the wheels, near the brake calipers. In principle, the car’s instrument panel itself warns by means of a light that the system is losing fluid. If not, check to see if the liquid has an oily consistency and a pungent odor to confirm this.
Detecting gasoline or diesel leaks is easier than many other stains. The unmistakable smell of this liquid warns us of a leak even before we see the stain on the floor. Most likely, it is caused by a leak in the circuit tubes that carry fuel from the tank to the engine.
Battery acid stains are unlikely, as it only happens in older batteries, which contain acid. A pungent odor and corrosion marks on both the floor and the battery case and nearby components is a sure sign that there could be an acid leak.
It is a thick oil that is used to lubricate the gears and components of the transmission system. Stains from this fluid often have an unpleasant odor and may indicate a leak in the vehicle’s transmission system.
These types of leaks are more common in older vehicles, as most cars today use electric power steering systems instead of hydraulic fluid. To identify this liquid we must look at its color, which is generally maroon or green, depending on whether it is mineral or synthetic.