There are a lot of different type of fluids that are in your car. You should be checking them on a monthly basis. This is the best way to know that your car is being maintained to the best and that there will not be as many car repair bills. It keeps the car running in the best performance possible.
While fluids do need to be topped of sometimes and fluids do need to be changed on a routine basis, with the exception of gasoline and wiper fluid, there should not be fluid in your car that run out or go anywhere. If you notice that fluids are running low, it is usually a sign of a leak.
Checking for a leak is easy. You do not have to know what kind of fluid is leaking from your car, but it does help. If the liquid is green and sticky, it is most likely coolant. Brown and greasy liquid is usually oil and honey colored to dark brown fluid that smells like chestnuts is gear oil. Watery liquid that has a blue tint is washer fluid. Clear or yellowish fluid is brake fluid and slippery red fluid is either transmission fluid or power steering fluid.
To check for leaks, open the hood and inspect the engine and the engine compartment. Most leaks are easily seen just by looking.
Next look under the car at the undercarriage with a flashlight. Check to see if there are wet spots or drips coming from the car. These are small leaks.
If you do not see any signs of leaks, but still suspect that you have one, place cardboard under the car to see if there are any marks in the morning. This will show if there is a leak while the car is not running.
If you discover a leak, be sure to see the dealership to get it take care of, before it causes a problem
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