What is leaking from my car?

8 minute read Published on Sep 30, 2025 by BrokerLink Communications

A closeup of an oil spill next to a car

Your vehicle relies on numerous different fluids to operate safely and efficiently. So, when your car begins to leak fluid, it can signal anything from minor problems to more serious issues. Knowing how to identify the type of fluid leaking from your car is essential to maintaining your safety, protecting the environment, and avoiding costly repairs.

From a brake fluid leaks to an overheating engine, some leaks can be hazardous, while others, such as a windshield wiper fluid leak, can be easy to fix. Regardless, understanding the different types of fluid leaks and how to address them will help you take action more quickly to avoid damage.

In this guide, we’ll explain how you identify various car leaks, discuss whether insurance covers them, and outline the steps to take if you discover a leak yourself. Stick around for more information.

Types of fluid leaks

Before we teach you how to identify the leaking fluid from your car, let's do a quick run-through of the different types of common fluid leaks that could occur:

Engine oil leaks

Perhaps the most common type of leakage that your car may experience is an oil leak. The telltale sign that oil is leaking from your car is if you see a dark brown or yellow-coloured puddle underneath your car.

Transmission fluid leaks

A warning sign of a transmission fluid leak is if you notice a thick red or brown fluid coming from your car. If your car is parked, the red fluid leaking may be located underneath your vehicle in the middle.

Brake fluid leaks

A brake fluid leak is another possibility if you notice fluid coming from your car. They can be a bit trickier to identify as brake fluid varies in colour from clear to light brown. However, generally speaking, brake fluid is thin and oily in texture, and if it’s leaking, the leak will likely be located near the wheels or on the passenger side of the car.

Power steering fluid leaks

A power steering leak is another possibility if you notice fluid leaking from your car. This type of leak is usually located at the front of the car and will look like a thin, red or brown liquid.

Antifreeze leaks

If antifreeze is leaking from your vehicle, you will notice a green, pink, or yellow-hued substance beneath or around your car. Antifreeze is also a sticky texture.

Water leaks

Water leaks typically happen because of the exhaust system, your car's air conditioning system, or your windshield wipers. Water will be clear, fluid and odourless.

Step-by-step leak identification guide

If you believe fluid is leaking from your vehicle, we recommend identifying the leak before contacting a professional mechanic for assistance. Here’s a step-by-step guide to checking for leaks yourself:

Step 1: Park your car

The first thing you should do is park your car on a clean, flat surface. Preferably, a piece of cardboard, white paper, or a small white tarp. This will help you identify the colour of fluid leaking from your car.

Step 2: Check the fluid

Next, you'll need to examine the leak. But before doing so, make sure to wear rubber gloves, a mask, and protective eye gear for your safety. Coming in contact with different fluids like antifreeze, which contains Ethylene glycol, can be hazardous to your health when ingested. Look at its colour, consistency, and smell. Remember:

  • Engine oil leak: Brown, oil texture.
  • Antifreeze leak: Green, pink, or yellow with a sticky consistency. It also has a sweet smell to it.
  • Transmission fluid leak: Thick red or brown fluid.
  • Power steering fluid leak: Brown or red fluid leaking from your power steering reservoir.
  • Water leak: Clear and odourless.

Step 3: Identify the fluid leak

When you crawl underneath your car, take note of where the fluid is leaking from. For example, a car leaking brake fluid will appear near your front and rear wheels, whereas transmission fluid or power steering fluid will leak toward the centre of your vehicle. Finally, leaking coolant will appear directly under the engine.

Step 4: Check your owner's manual

Once you've identified where the leak is located, double-check your vehicle's owner manual to cross-reference your findings.

Common causes of car leakage

Having a better understanding of why leaks occur can help you prevent them in the first place. Common causes include:

Worn seals and blown head gaskets

Over time, as your car ages, seals and gaskets can wear down and become brittle due to continuous exposure to extreme weather conditions and consistent use. When this happens, you may experience a broken oil seal or a damaged valve cover gasket, which could lead to leaking motor oil. Transmission fluid seals can also wear down, which could lead to engine failure if not identified and repaired quickly. Worn brake pads can also lead to worn-out brake callipers, wheel cylinders, and master cylinders.

Loose connections

Driving over uneven roads can cause your vehicle's parts to vibrate and move. When this happens consistently, rubber hoses, bolts, and clamps can loosen. If you don't periodically check your vehicle and tighten these connections, these components can lead to power steering leaks, coolant leaks, engine oil leaks, and brake fluid leaks.

Corrosion and rust

Metal components in your car, such as the radiator, fuel tank, and transmission lines, can corrode due to being exposed to moisture and road salt. Corrosion can weaken these parts, allowing fluids to seep through cracks or holes.

Poor vehicle maintenance

Failing to perform car maintenance on your vehicle can not only lead to fluid leaks but also cause damage to your car components. To prevent environmental pollution and guarantee optimal engine efficiency, Natural Resources Canada recommends car owners perform routine maintenance and fluid leak checks at least once a month.

Leak Prevention tips

Preventative car maintenance is key to avoiding safety hazards while driving and expensive repair costs. Take note of the following preventative tips to keep your car in good shape:

  • Check fluid levels: Check fluid levels once a month and fill them as needed. Being aware of low fluid levels can aid in locating and fixing leaks before they get serious.
  • Examine hoses and seals: Frequently examine hoses and seals for signs of leaking, stiffness, or cracks.
  • Oil change: Change your oil every 5,0000 to 10,0000 kilometres, depending on whether your car takes synthetic oil vs. regular oil.
  • Maintain your tire pressure: Tires that are either too low or too high can put more stress on the steering and braking systems, which can result in leaks. Check your owner's manual to look at the recommended tire pressure levels for your vehicle.
  • Address small fixes right away: If you notice minor drips and visible fluid from your vehicle, make an effort to fix them right away. Small leaks can escalate quickly, leading to more damage and higher repair costs.
  • Conduct a transmission fluid change: Pay attention to signs and symptoms of a bad transmission and conduct a transmission fluid change every 50,000 to 90,000 kilometres.

For additional scheduled car maintenance tips, check out some of our other comprehensive guides below:

What to do if you spot a leak coming from your vehicle

As we said, some leaks are more pressing than others. Knowing when to book an immediate appointment with a mechanic or perform work yourself will save you time and money later down the line. Here's what you need to know:

When you should take action immediately

When a leak calls for immediate action:

  • Brake fluid: This type of car leak requires urgent attention from car owners as it can impair your ability to use your brake pedal, putting you at risk of getting into a collision.
  • Transmission fluid: Without sufficient transmission fluid, your transmission can overheat and cause damage to your vehicle's engine.
  • Power steering fluid: A car leak from your power steering fluid can make it difficult for you to operate your vehicle and steer accordingly, again, putting you at risk of crashing your vehicle.
  • Engine oil: A car leaking oil can put strain on the engine as it will not lubricate moving parts, leading to overheating. Ensure your oil pan and oil filter are changed along with your oil as stated in your owner's manual.

When to monitor your car leak

Times to watch and track a car leak:

  • Windshield washer fluid: Windshield fluid is usually harmless. Make sure to refill the reservoir as needed.
  • Condensation from the AC unit: This is just water and perfectly normal from a vehicle cooling system; there is no cause for concern unless your air conditioner is not working.

DIY fixes vs. professional assistance

Whether or not you choose to perform DIY maintenance on your car or schedule a professional appointment depends on how comfortable you are in performing the work yourself. If you've never worked on a vehicle before and have no prior knowledge of how things work, opting to see a mechanic will help you save time and money in the long run, while preventing further damage to your car.

That said, if you only need to tighten loose caps on reservoirs, DIY methods are fine. Basic mechanical skills can also help you replace high-pressure hoses if needed. Further, as changing your oil can cost anywhere from $50 to $150, you can also perform this on your own.

Should your experience persistent leaks, or the leaks involve your transmission, power steering, or brakes, we recommend seeking help from a professional technician. These fixes require more tools and knowledge to perform correctly and safely.

Environmental and legal considerations

Fuel leaks, antifreeze leaks, and other car leaks can pose serious environmental hazards. According to Green City Times, oil leaks can seep into local waterways, causing damage to aquatic life and threatening public health. Should you choose not to dispose of fluids correctly or handle them safely while wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), you could face legal consequences. Take note of local recycling facilities in your community to ensure you are properly disposing of the fluids.

Car maintenance includes insuring your vehicle

One final note on the importance of vehicle maintenance: car insurance is a crucial part of keeping your vehicle safe. The right auto insurance coverage offers financial protection should something go wrong, such as fluid leakage from your vehicle following a collision.

It is worth reminding drivers in Canada that auto insurance is a mandatory requirement, meaning you cannot get behind the wheel without valid coverage. Valid coverage looks different in every province. However, common mandatory and optional policies in Ontario include:

Contact BrokerLink for affordable insurance

If you are having trouble identifying what is leaking from your car or want help understanding whether your insurance company will cover a car repair, contact BrokerLink. Whether you're looking for insurance in Toronto or elsewhere in Ontario or another Canadian province, our experienced brokers can help you shop around, compare coverages, and unlock discounts to save your money. To work with us, give BrokerLink a call directly or take advantage of our online quote tool to receive a competitive insurance quote within minutes!

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