What Do You Do if You See Fluid Beneath Your Car?

At Lexus of Pembroke Pines, we want you to feel empowered when it comes to your car. Beyond being a customer, a car owner is a custodian of their vehicle. Here are some things to know about Lexus service, so if you see fluid under your car, you know what to do.

If You Find a Fluid Leak

Before you panic, you need to identify what it is you’re seeing. Here are the most common fluids that a car is likely to lose, and what to do if you see a leak:

Oil

Engine oil is the most common fluid you’ll see leaking. Dip your finger or a paper towel into the fluid. If it’s oil, it will be brown or black, feel a little slick, and might smell burnt. Check if your oil pan and oil filter are in place and secure.

If nothing seems to be amiss, get an oil change right away and make sure the oil pan isn’t cracked and your valves are not defective.

Antifreeze

Antifreeze is most likely to leak from the front of your vehicle and will appear to be red or green and thicker than water. Antifreeze smells sweet — but be careful not to touch it. This chemical agent is toxic to humans, so always use caution when checking it. A coolant leak is very serious, so you should see a mechanic immediately.

Transmission Fluid

This will leak from the center of the vehicle. Transmission fluid smells a bit like gasoline and is reddish in color. If you see this, something could be very wrong. Call a mechanic right away.

If you see fluid under your car and have concerns or questions, schedule a service visit at Lexus of Pembroke Pines as soon as possible!