Why is My Car Leaking Water?

If you’ve noticed your car is leaking water, don’t panic. Most times, this isn’t a sign of a serious issue. The air conditioning system in your vehicle creates condensation when activated, so it’s perfectly normal to see small puddles of water near the back of the engine compartment. If you notice water near the tailpipe, it’s safe to say it’s exhaust condensation, which will disappear when your muffler warms up.

Should you notice water elsewhere, or notice that those areas are leaking a liquid that doesn’t look like water, you’ll want to schedule service with the Biggers Mazda service team. In the meantime learn more about why your car is leaking water as well as what liquids to watch out for.

Identifying the Cause of Leaking Water

Is water leaking from under your car? First, you’ll want to indicate where exactly the water is coming from. Here’s what you’ll want to do:

• First, you will want to make sure that it is actually just water leaking from the vehicle. Place a sheet of paper under the leak, and if you notice that the fluid is a different color, you will want to have your vehicle checked out by a professional. For example, if the fluid is blue, green, or yellow, it’s likely coolant, not water.
• If more than a small amount of water is coming from your exhaust, a blown gasket may be causing coolant to be burned along with the fuel. When this happens, you will see large amounts of water and white smoke emerging from the exhaust pipe.
• While coolant is usually easy to spot due to its color, it is a good idea to also check the coolant level to confirm this issue. If the coolant is low, bring your vehicle in for an appointment with our expert technicians.
• Fluid can also be leaking from a cracked windshield wiper fluid reservoir. If you used water in your windshield wiper fluid, the water could freeze in the reservoir, expanding and causing cracks in the plastic container. Windshield wiper fluid will usually be light blue or light green in color, and you will typically find it near the front tires.

If the cause is anything other than condensation like the examples above, you’ll want to have your vehicle looked at by our service technicians. This could save you from more serious and expensive repairs later down the road.

What Fluid is Leaking From My Car?

In order to check if the fluid leaking out is water, place a piece of paper underneath your vehicle. If it isn’t clear, it’s not water. The guide provided below can give you a better idea of what fluid may be leaking from your vehicle:

• Red – Transmission Fluid or Power Steering Fluid
• Orange – Transmission Fluid or Radiator Coolant
• Yellow – Radiator Coolant
• Green – Antifreeze from Water Pump, Hoses, or Radiator
• Blue – Windshield Wiper Fluid
• Dark Brown – Brake Fluid or Older Engine Oil
• Light Brown – Newer Engine Oil or Gear Lubricant
• Pink – Power Steering Fluid or Transmission Fluid

Choose Biggers Mazda for Expert Service

Not sure whether your car is leaking water or not? Don’t worry. The Biggers Mazda service team is ready to help you get your vehicle in great working order. We also offer service specials to help you save on the services and even parts you need. If you have any questions, or want more service tips such as about the tire pressure monitoring system, contact our team!