Tip of the week...How to identify car leaks
Non-emergency leaks; Emergency leaks
Non-emergency leaks. Motor oil is dark brown to black, with a rubbery smell and the texture of a thin, slick syrup. Powersteering fluid has a sweeter smell. Transmission fluid is thinner than either, reddish brown in color, and smells almost like burnt rubber. Antifreeze is more distinctive. It’s green, blue, red, or yellow, with a “plasticky” smell, and it’s just thicker than water. Don’t panic over a few drops of any of these fluids, but check and level off the corresponding fluid level regularly until you can have the leak’s source inspected by a pro.
Emergency leaks. “Fix ASAP” if the leak is brake fluid or gasoline. Brake fluid has a light bronze color, feels “slightly tacky,” and smells “like rancid nuts.” Gas is thin, clear or golden, and smells like, well, your last fill-up. A gas leak represents an “urgent” hazard—have your car towed right away.
Source: ShopSmart
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
The best film reboots of all-time
The Week Recommends Creativity and imagination are often required to breathe fresh life into old material
-
'More must be done'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
-
Are masked ICE agents America's new secret police?
Today's Big Question Critics say masks undermine trust in law enforcement