Oil/Fluid Leak Inspection

SKU 20767 Categories ,

What’s leaking from my car?

You don’t need access to a laboratory to identify the type of fluid that is leaking from your vehicle. For the most part, you can identify the type of fluid just by looking at the colour:

  • Blue: Most likely windshield wiper fluid. Some late model Hondas use blue coolant.
  • Clear: AC condensation (which is thin like water) or newer brake fluid (which has a medium consistency and an oily feel). Typically, brake fluid with over 10 000km is darker in colour.
  • Dark brown: Brake fluid or motor oil. Brake fluid will have a more slimy feel than greasy.
  • Green, orange, or yellow: Antifreeze or radiator coolant.
  • Light brown: Gear lubricant (which has a bad odour) or newer motor oil. Old automatic transmission fluid may turn brown with extended use.
  • Pink or red: Power steering or transmission fluid.
  • Orange: Antifreeze, AC condensation, or transmission fluid (all of which may be discoloured by rust or age).

Common reasons for this to happen:

Now that you know, or at least suspect, what is leaking from your vehicle, you have an indication as to what may be wrong. This allows you to estimate the severity of the problem.

Here are some potential issues based on the type of liquid that is leaking:

  • Windshield wiper fluid: Your vehicle may have a hole or crack in the fluid reservoir or system-related tubing.
  • AC condensation: If you’ve run your air conditioner for any length of time, it’s not unusual for a little clear condensation to escape your A/C system. In this case, it’s likely there is no problem at all, and you can go about business as usual.
  • Brake fluid: Although it is relatively easy to confuse older brake fluid with motor oil, a brake fluid leak is not an issue to take lightly. Brake fluid maintains the hydraulic pressure in your brake system, and without it, brake failure is a high possibility. If you suspect the liquid beneath your vehicle (usually around the wheels or just under where the brake pedal is situated) is brake fluid, call a mechanic. Do not take the risk of driving.
  • Motor oil: Oil leaks at the front of your vehicle can be indicative of a wide range of problems. These include a worn gasket, corroded oil line, improperly attached oil filter, or a stripped or leaky drain plug. Before driving further, be sure to verify the oil level in your vehicle is not dangerously low.
  • Antifreeze/coolant: Cars manufactured prior to fuel injection used coolant containing silicates to help seal small leaks. Modern cars cannot use silicates, so even minute pores can allow small amounts of coolant to leak. If, however, the leak is more severe, it could indicate a faulty water pump, loose clamp, damaged hose, or worn O-ring. Since antifreeze is poisonous to pets and local wildlife, such leaks always merit a call to a mechanic.
  • Gear lubricant: This type of leak – often on or near the wheels – suggests a worn seal or that it is time to service the gearbox.
  • Power steering fluid: If your power steering fluid leaks around the front of your vehicle, it is indicative of a faulty fluid line or worn seal. This type of leak is typically accompanied by a high pitch whine.
  • Transmission fluid: When this fluid escapes, usually around the centre of your vehicle, it may be indicative of a leaking gasket, seal, or cooler line. Some modern transmissions do not have dipsticks to verify fluid levels, so if you suspect a transmission fluid leak, it is best to have the vehicle serviced as soon as possible to avoid further damage.

What to expect:

A top-rated Fixxr mobile mechanic will come to your home or office to determine the type and source of the fluid leak, and will then provide a detailed inspection report that includes the scope and cost of the necessary repairs.

How important is this service?

Fluid leaks can be a harrowing experience, but they don’t have to be. A skilled technician will be able to identify the source of the leak, as well as provide an estimate for repair. Some repairs are straightforward. Others may be more in-depth and require more time. Either way, it’s important to know what type of fluid and repair you’re dealing with. Book one of our mechanics to perform a thorough inspection as soon as possible.

Description

What’s leaking from my car?

You don’t need access to a laboratory to identify the type of fluid that is leaking from your vehicle. For the most part, you can identify the type of fluid just by looking at the colour:

  • Blue: Most likely windshield wiper fluid. Some late model Hondas use blue coolant.
  • Clear: AC condensation (which is thin like water) or newer brake fluid (which has a medium consistency and an oily feel). Typically, brake fluid with over 10 000km is darker in colour.
  • Dark brown: Brake fluid or motor oil. Brake fluid will have a more slimy feel than greasy.
  • Green, orange, or yellow: Antifreeze or radiator coolant.
  • Light brown: Gear lubricant (which has a bad odour) or newer motor oil. Old automatic transmission fluid may turn brown with extended use.
  • Pink or red: Power steering or transmission fluid.
  • Orange: Antifreeze, AC condensation, or transmission fluid (all of which may be discoloured by rust or age).

Common reasons for this to happen:

Now that you know, or at least suspect, what is leaking from your vehicle, you have an indication as to what may be wrong. This allows you to estimate the severity of the problem.

Here are some potential issues based on the type of liquid that is leaking:

  • Windshield wiper fluid: Your vehicle may have a hole or crack in the fluid reservoir or system-related tubing.
  • AC condensation: If you’ve run your air conditioner for any length of time, it’s not unusual for a little clear condensation to escape your A/C system. In this case, it’s likely there is no problem at all, and you can go about business as usual.
  • Brake fluid: Although it is relatively easy to confuse older brake fluid with motor oil, a brake fluid leak is not an issue to take lightly. Brake fluid maintains the hydraulic pressure in your brake system, and without it, brake failure is a high possibility. If you suspect the liquid beneath your vehicle (usually around the wheels or just under where the brake pedal is situated) is brake fluid, call a mechanic. Do not take the risk of driving.
  • Motor oil: Oil leaks at the front of your vehicle can be indicative of a wide range of problems. These include a worn gasket, corroded oil line, improperly attached oil filter, or a stripped or leaky drain plug. Before driving further, be sure to verify the oil level in your vehicle is not dangerously low.
  • Antifreeze/coolant: Cars manufactured prior to fuel injection used coolant containing silicates to help seal small leaks. Modern cars cannot use silicates, so even minute pores can allow small amounts of coolant to leak. If, however, the leak is more severe, it could indicate a faulty water pump, loose clamp, damaged hose, or worn O-ring. Since antifreeze is poisonous to pets and local wildlife, such leaks always merit a call to a mechanic.
  • Gear lubricant: This type of leak – often on or near the wheels – suggests a worn seal or that it is time to service the gearbox.
  • Power steering fluid: If your power steering fluid leaks around the front of your vehicle, it is indicative of a faulty fluid line or worn seal. This type of leak is typically accompanied by a high pitch whine.
  • Transmission fluid: When this fluid escapes, usually around the centre of your vehicle, it may be indicative of a leaking gasket, seal, or cooler line. Some modern transmissions do not have dipsticks to verify fluid levels, so if you suspect a transmission fluid leak, it is best to have the vehicle serviced as soon as possible to avoid further damage.

What to expect:

A top-rated Fixxr mobile mechanic will come to your home or office to determine the type and source of the fluid leak, and will then provide a detailed inspection report that includes the scope and cost of the necessary repairs.

How important is this service?

Fluid leaks can be a harrowing experience, but they don’t have to be. A skilled technician will be able to identify the source of the leak, as well as provide an estimate for repair. Some repairs are straightforward. Others may be more in-depth and require more time. Either way, it’s important to know what type of fluid and repair you’re dealing with. Book one of our mechanics to perform a thorough inspection as soon as possible.

view our available expert Mobile Mechanics

What our customers have to say about Fixxr

Osweld Dube Prompt and Insightful

Monday July 28, 2025 I requested a quote to replace Brakes on my car and was booked immediately for 11:30am. Osweld arrived 30 minutes before and was helpful when I did not have the correct parts. Having spent the entire day to get the correct parts and do the replacement. Although I was not present during the replacement, my husband was, and he was very friendly and knowledgeable. Fantastic Service. I would hope to have him as the mechanic in my next round of repair/replacements.
Manet fernandez
30 July 2025

Minor service

No words can explain how excellent is Norman with his job. He is just an amazing mechanic who knows exactly what his doing and he did his job with so much care. Thank you.
Thando
28 July 2025

Osweld Dube Review

Thank you for quick response and excellent service. I will definitely contact you again when I need assistance with my vehicle
Liana Hugo
28 July 2025

Diagnostic - Mlungisi Kubisi

Mlu is very thorough, professional, patient, has high technical expertise and is extremely knowledgeable. He gave me outstanding service, supplemntary support and expert advice. He did a stellar job. I would highly recommend him.
Sandisile Somnono
21 July 2025

Great mechanic

Osweld was great. Polite, helpful and knows what he is doing. Explained as he went along which was very helpful.
Sharon cort
8 July 2025

Oswald Dube

Such a great ambassador for your company. Well spoken, very knowledgeable. Great person to deal with.
Marinus
2 July 2025

Replacement of Break Discs and Break Pads - Landrover Discovery

I recently had my brake discs and pads replaced on my Land Rover Discovery, and I couldn’t be more impressed with the service. The mechanic was exceptionally punctual, arriving exactly when promised—something that’s rare and greatly appreciated.

Throughout the job, he displayed a high level of professionalism and mechanical skill, completing the work efficiently and with clear attention to detail. What really stood out was his ability to explain everything in a way I could understand, along with sound recommendations on other areas that may need attention down the line—without any pressure to get extra work done immediately.

Overall, this was a smooth, stress-free experience and I’d confidently recommend him to any Land Rover owner looking for reliable, expert service.

Tendai Zauyamakando
3 July 2025

Quick and friendly

He came to do a job after hours and made sure that everything is as it should. He explained every procedure.
Noel
17 June 2025

Brake Pads Car Computer Scan

I had my brake pads replaced and a car computer scan done, and I’m really happy with the service. He was punctual, friendly, and took the time to explain everything clearly. Very insightful and professional throughout the whole process. I’d definitely recommend him to anyone needing reliable car work.
Mbuyselo
9 June 2025

Other Fixxr Offerings

Price Match Guarentee

We will match and beat any competitors quote.

Service & Maintenance Plans

Keep your  car in top shape all year round without the stress of large upfront payments!

FLeet repair & maintenance

Your fleet is an asset and a money-maker. We offer services for commercial and personal fleets, keeping your wheels on the road.

Not Ready to Book? Request a quote Instead

Not Seeing the Right Option? Tell Us What’s Going On