How Can I Tell What’s Leaking Under My Vehicle?

Finding a puddle under your car isn’t the kind of surprise any driver wants. But not all leaks are equally serious, and figuring out what’s dripping can help you take the right steps. Whether it’s a minor seep or a sign of something more urgent, the fluid under your vehicle is trying to tell you something.

By the ocean, the mix of ocean air and daily driving takes a toll on seals, hoses, and gaskets. Recognizing what’s leaking early can help you avoid unexpected breakdowns and expensive repairs. Here’s how to identify what that puddle means before you panic.

Oil Leaks Are One of the Most Common

Engine oil is often the first fluid to show up on your driveway. It typically appears as a dark brown or black stain, sometimes with a greasy texture. Oil leaks can develop from worn gaskets, damaged oil pans, or loose drain plugs.

A small oil spot here and there isn’t always urgent, but it should never be ignored. Low oil levels can quickly lead to poor engine lubrication, overheating, and long-term wear. If you’re topping off your oil more often than usual or seeing new spots under the engine, it’s time for an inspection.

Coolant Leaks Often Show Up in Bright Colors

Coolant, or antifreeze, is designed to circulate through your engine and radiator to regulate temperature. It typically has a bright color (green, orange, pink, or yellow) and a slightly sweet smell. If you notice a colorful puddle near the front of your vehicle, it could be coolant escaping from a hose, radiator, or water pump.

Coolant leaks can be especially dangerous in a warm climate. Overheating happens fast once coolant levels drop, and continuing to drive under those conditions puts your engine at risk. Even a small leak can become a big problem if ignored.

Transmission Fluid Usually Has a Red Tint

If you notice a reddish or dark pink fluid under the middle or rear of your car, it’s likely transmission fluid. This fluid helps your transmission shift smoothly and stay cool under pressure. Over time, it can become darker or brownish.

Leaks can form at the transmission pan, cooler lines, or seals. Since low fluid levels lead to harsh shifting, gear slipping, or complete failure, it's best to have transmission leaks addressed promptly. The leak might have already started affecting performance if you’ve noticed delayed engagement or strange noises during shifts.

Brake Fluid Is Slippery and Pale in Color

Brake fluid leaks are rare but serious. The fluid is usually clear or slightly yellow, with a slippery feel. It often shows up near the wheels or along the inside of the tire if a brake line or caliper is leaking.

Losing brake fluid means losing hydraulic pressure, which could result in a spongy brake pedal or reduced braking ability. If you see fluid near one of your wheels and your brakes feel off, it’s critical to stop driving and have the vehicle checked immediately.

Power Steering Fluid Can Look Similar to Transmission Fluid

In vehicles that still use hydraulic power steering, the fluid is usually reddish like transmission fluid but may be brown if it’s old. It typically leaks near the front of the car and may come from the pump, hoses, or steering rack.

If your steering feels heavy, makes whining noises, or you notice the wheel is harder to turn than usual, a fluid leak could be the cause. Addressing it early prevents damage to the power steering components.

Laguna Auto Service Center – Leak Diagnostics You Can Count On in Laguna Beach, CA

At Laguna Auto Service Center, we help drivers find the source of fluid leaks quickly and accurately. If you’re spotting stains under your car, don’t leave it to guesswork. We’ll inspect your vehicle, identify the problem, and make sure you stay safe and leak-free on the road.

Schedule a visit today and let us keep your car running clean and dry in every season.

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What Causes Sudden Drops in Oil Pressure?

August 29, 2025

Oil pressure is one of the most important factors in keeping your engine healthy. It ensures that oil is moving through the engine’s passages to lubricate moving parts, reduce friction, and carry away heat. A sudden drop in oil pressure can quickly lead to major damage if not addressed immediately. Understanding the possible causes can help you act fast and protect your engine. Why Oil Pressure Is So Important Your engine is made up of many fast-moving metal components. Without a steady supply of pressurized oil, these parts grind against each other, generating heat and wearing down rapidly. Oil pressure is what keeps the lubrication flowing consistently. If that pressure suddenly drops, critical engine parts like the crankshaft, camshaft, and bearings can be starved of oil within seconds, causing severe damage. Common Causes of Sudden Oil Pressure Loss Low Oil Level The most obvious cause is simply not having enough oil in the system. If oil levels drop too low due to leaks , burning oil, or neglecting oil changes, the oil pump may struggle to maintain proper pressure. Oil Pump Failure The oil pump is responsible for creating pressure and circulating oil throughout the engine. If it becomes worn or damaged, it may not be able to maintain sufficient pressure, leading to immediate warning signs on your dashboard. Blocked or Restricted Oil Passages Sludge, carbon buildup, or debris in the engine can block oil passages, restricting flow and causing a sudden drop in pressure. This is more common in engines that have gone too long between oil changes. Faulty Oil Pressure Sensor Sometimes, the issue is not mechanical but electrical. A failing oil pressure sensor can send false readings to the gauge or warning light. While this might not mean there’s actually a pressure loss, it still requires a professional check to rule out a real problem. Worn Engine Bearings Bearings create the smooth surfaces on which engine components rotate. As they wear, they create larger gaps for oil to pass through, reducing pressure. In severe cases, sudden bearing wear can cause a noticeable drop in oil pressure almost instantly. Warning Signs to Watch For An illuminated oil pressure warning light. Engine noise, such as knocking or ticking. Burning oil smell. Sudden loss of power. If you notice any of these signs, shut off the engine as soon as it’s safe to do so and have the vehicle towed to a repair facility. Why You Shouldn’t Keep Driving Continuing to drive with low oil pressure is extremely risky. Within minutes, the lack of lubrication can cause irreversible engine damage, often requiring a full rebuild or replacement. Even if the problem turns out to be a faulty sensor, it’s not worth the gamble. Treat every sudden oil pressure drop as a serious emergency until proven otherwise. Diagnosing the Cause A professional inspection will start with checking the oil level and condition. If the oil is dirty or contaminated, it can point toward sludge buildup or internal wear. Next, technicians may attach a mechanical oil pressure gauge to verify the reading from the dashboard. If the pressure is indeed low, further checks will focus on the oil pump, filter, and engine internals. If the sensor or wiring is faulty, replacing it should restore accurate readings and peace of mind. Preventing Oil Pressure Problems Regular oil changes with the correct grade and type of oil for your vehicle are the best defense against pressure issues. Using the wrong oil can affect viscosity, especially in extreme temperatures, leading to low pressure. It’s also important to check your oil level regularly, especially before long trips. Catching a low oil level early can prevent sudden drops in pressure while driving. Avoiding sludge buildup is equally important. Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule , and don’t skip services that keep the oil and engine clean. Engine Protection at Laguna Auto Service Center in Laguna Beach, CA A sudden drop in oil pressure can be one of the most serious problems your engine will face. At Laguna Auto Service Center in Laguna Beach, CA, we have the tools and expertise to quickly diagnose the cause, perform necessary repairs, and help prevent future issues. Schedule your service today and protect your engine from costly damage.