Aug 20, 2018

It is important to know what is going on with your car and to pay attention when there are potential problems. This includes paying attention to the different fluids used to keep the engine running smoothly. If one of them is leaking, it can cause big problems. These are some of the signs of a leak under your hood.

1. Dark Spots on the Ground

If you notice dark puddles on the ground when you back out of a parking spot, it is a possible indication of a leak. If the spots are dark brown or yellow, it could be an oil leak. If there are other spots on the ground, you can lay down a piece of cardboard under the car or some plastic to check to see if the leak is coming from your car.

2. Rising Temperature Gauge

If the temperature gauge starts to rise on a regular basis, it could mean there is a leak in the radiator. A leaking radiator can cause the coolant reservoir to drop, which causes the engine to overheat. You can check this by filling the coolant reservoir and then checking it after driving for a few days.

3. A Smoking Engine

If you notice smoke coming from under the hood or the surface is very hot, it could mean you have an oil leak. When the oil drips into the manifold, it will create smoke or steam that you can see coming from under the hood.

Make sure to watch for these warning signs of a leak under your hood. If you notice any of these signs, bring your car to your mechanic.

Image via Flickr by automobileitalia