THE CAR AWARENESS SERIES - Concluded
Under a front-wheel drive trans-axle, or under a rear-wheel drive manual transmission or differential, there may be oil or grease spots. Inside the wheels, you might notice leaking brake fluid. Any of these signs could be warning you of trouble.
But don’t jump to conclusions; spots or fluids on the ground could have been left by another vehicle. If you are in doubt, check further wherever you normally park your car. Place a large piece of cardboard or several sheets of newspaper under the area of the car where you found the spots. Leave it there overnight. If something is leaking, you will find a fresh puddle on top of the cardboard or paper the next morning. Also try to note the location of the leak relative to the car. It may help you determine where the leak is coming from. But remember that as you drive, air flowing past the car can push these fluids toward the rear of the vehicle before it drips off. Also the fluids will flow downward from the source of the leak. Just to be sure, you should check the fluid levels to help determine which fluids may be leaking.
If you find brake fluid leaking onto the ground, you should have the car’s brakes inspected by a licensed professional technician as soon as possible. Brakes are your car’s most important safety system. Fuel leaks are extremely dangerous as gasoline is very flammable. Don’t start your car if you find a puddle of gasoline. Have the leak repaired immediately. In the series that follow, you will find more information about what these leaks may mean and what you can do about them. Just by checking regularly for tyre condition and for leaks, you have developed and used the first, most essential tool for effective car care—your awareness.
But don’t jump to conclusions; spots or fluids on the ground could have been left by another vehicle. If you are in doubt, check further wherever you normally park your car. Place a large piece of cardboard or several sheets of newspaper under the area of the car where you found the spots. Leave it there overnight. If something is leaking, you will find a fresh puddle on top of the cardboard or paper the next morning. Also try to note the location of the leak relative to the car. It may help you determine where the leak is coming from. But remember that as you drive, air flowing past the car can push these fluids toward the rear of the vehicle before it drips off. Also the fluids will flow downward from the source of the leak. Just to be sure, you should check the fluid levels to help determine which fluids may be leaking.
If you find brake fluid leaking onto the ground, you should have the car’s brakes inspected by a licensed professional technician as soon as possible. Brakes are your car’s most important safety system. Fuel leaks are extremely dangerous as gasoline is very flammable. Don’t start your car if you find a puddle of gasoline. Have the leak repaired immediately. In the series that follow, you will find more information about what these leaks may mean and what you can do about them. Just by checking regularly for tyre condition and for leaks, you have developed and used the first, most essential tool for effective car care—your awareness.
