Your Chrysler is a finely tuned machine, and all the parts work in concert to deliver a smooth and safe ride. But like any machine, it relies on essential fluids to keep everything running smoothly. Engine oil lubricates moving parts, coolant regulates engine temperature, and brake fluid ensures you can come to a stop when needed. When these or one of the many other fluids your car relies on decides to stage an escape, it can be a cause for concern. If you notice any fluid leaking, your first stop should be your Chrysler dealer.

Is There Fluid Leaking You Should Worry About?

The first sign of a potential leak might be a puddle forming underneath your parked car. This isn’t always cause for immediate alarm. Condensation from your air conditioning system can sometimes drip and create a small puddle, and this is totally harmless fluid leaking. However, if the puddle reappears consistently, or if it’s accompanied by other symptoms, it’s a good idea to schedule a service appointment at your dealership.

What Is It?

The color and consistency of the leak can offer some initial clues about the culprit.

Coolant

A brightly colored liquid that’s pink, green, or orange is most likely coolant. Coolant keeps your engine from overheating, and a leak can lead to overheating issues: and significant engine damage if it isn’t fixed.
Your dealership’s service technicians will perform a pressure test on the cooling system to pinpoint the leak’s location. Depending on the severity, we may recommend replacing a hose clamp, a radiator hose, or even the radiator itself.

Oil

If the fluid leaking is dark brown, then it’s likely engine oil. Oil lubricates the many moving parts inside your engine, and a leak can lead to increased friction and wear. This is a serious concern, and you shouldn’t delay a visit to your Chrysler dealership. You’ll need to get that leak stopped quickly before the grinding and friction damage your engine.
The technicians will inspect the engine to locate the source of the leak. Common culprits include the oil pan gasket, valve cover gasket, or a faulty oil filter. Once identified, the technicians will replace the worn-out component and ensure a proper oil seal.

Brake Fluid

A yellowish or brownish fluid could indicate a brake fluid leak. Brake fluid transmits pressure from your brake pedal to your wheels, allowing you to slow down and stop safely, so any leak in the brake system is a critical safety hazard, and you should not drive your car until this is addressed by a qualified technician at your Chrysler dealership.  
They will examine the brake lines, calipers, and wheel cylinders to isolate the leak, and, depending on the location and severity, they may recommend replacing a brake line, a brake hose, or a faulty seal. Never ignore a suspected brake fluid leak.

Transmission Fluid

Automatic transmission fluid is typically an orangish or reddish hue, but it might be more brown if it’s old. This fluid keeps your transmission functioning smoothly, and a leak in this system can lead to erratic shifting, delayed gear engagement, or even complete transmission failure. If you notice a reddish leak accompanied by these symptoms, head straight to your Chrysler dealership.  
The technicians will perform a comprehensive inspection to pinpoint the source of the leak. Common culprits include the transmission pan gasket, a worn transmission seal, or a faulty transmission cooler line.

Other Leaks

While transmission, oil, brake, and coolant leaks are the most common suspects, there are a few other, less common, possibilities.

Power Steering

Power steering fluid can also be a reddish-brown color, and it allows for smooth and effortless steering maneuvers. A leak in the power steering system compromises your ability to steer easily, and you may feel increased resistance when turning. Low levels of power steering fluid can also cause a whining noise when you turn the steering wheel.
Your Chrysler dealer technicians can identify the leak’s origin, be it a worn hose, a faulty power steering rack, or a seal, and then perform the necessary repairs.

Differential Fluid

Though most often associated with older, higher-mileage cars, it’s possible to develop differential fluid leaking. The differential lubricates the complex gears inside, ensuring your vehicle’s power is distributed appropriately among the wheels. 
Leaking differential fluid can lead to noisy operation and increased wear, so the technicians at your dealership will inspect your Chrysler’s differential housing for any sign of leaking seals or gaskets and replace worn components to restore proper function.

A Few More…

Sometimes, the fluid leak may prove a bit more elusive to nail down. Windshield washer fluid is typically blue, but it can also be pink, orange, or even purple. It might create a telltale puddle, and although it’s not critical to your vehicle’s operation, a leaking washer fluid reservoir, pump, or hose can be a frustration. Your dealership’s specialists will be able to track down the source of the leak and make quick work of the repair.
If you see something that looks like water, don’t just automatically assume it’s the condensation from the air conditioner, especially if you haven’t been using the air con recently. It’s also possible you’ve got a gas leak: while all the other fluids on our list are thicker than water, gas has the same consistency, so you can’t always tell just by looking. Smell is the best way to be sure.

Visiting Your Chrysler Dealer

When visiting your dealership to address a fluid leak, it’s important to provide your service advisor with as much information as possible. Let them know when you first noticed the leak, its color, consistency, and the approximate location underneath your vehicle. If you’ve noticed any associated symptoms such as strange noises, changes in performance, or warning lights on your dashboard, be sure to mention those to provide additional clues.
A little vigilance can go a long way! Keep an eye out for any fluid leaking, and when you see it, visit us at Auffenberg Chrysler of Herrin in Herrin, IL right away for expert help. 

Regularly changing the oil keeps your Chrysler running like a dream. Fresh oil keeps your engine clean, prevents wear, and ensures your vehicle delivers reliable performance for years to come. Your Chrysler dealer understands this better than anyone and is equipped to provide top-notch oil change services tailored to your vehicle’s specific needs.

Why Oil Changes at the Chrysler Dealer Are Crucial

Engine oil serves a multitude of vital functions within your Chrysler’s engine. 

Lubricating

Its primary job is to lubricate the numerous moving parts, reducing friction between them and preventing too much heat from building up. Over time, of course, the oil becomes contaminated with dirt, debris, and metal shavings from normal engine wear. This dirty oil becomes less effective as a lubricant, increasing the risk of premature wear and damage to those costly internal components. Fresh, clean oil is necessary to maintain proper lubrication and protection.

Cooling

Oil doesn’t just lubricate, though. It also helps keep your engine cool. As oil circulates, it picks up heat and helps transfer it away from critical engine components. Since dirty oil isn’t as efficient at doing this, your engine can run hotter, accelerating wear and even increasing the risk of serious failures. Fresh oil ensures your engine maintains optimal operating temperature, especially during the demands of summer driving.

Cleaning

Modern synthetic and synthetic-blend motor oils contain specialized additives, too. These additives help deter sludge buildup, neutralize acids, and fight corrosion. As the oil ages, these additives become depleted and lose their protective abilities. Regular changes replenish those protective additives, safeguarding your engine’s internals.

The Chrysler Dealership Advantage

Let’s explore why your Chrysler dealership is the best place to get your oil changed:

Expertise

Your dealership’s service technicians are factory-trained experts who know your Chrysler inside and out. We understand the specific oil viscosity and filter requirements for your model year and engine type, ensuring your engine always gets the best possible protection.

Genuine MOPAR Parts

MOPAR parts are the ones designed and engineered specifically for your Chrysler vehicle. Your dealership won’t use generic “one-size-fits-all” oil and filters. We install genuine MOPAR oil filters specifically designed to trap the right amount of contaminants without restricting oil flow, and you have to get this balance perfect to keep the engine working as it should.

Premium Oils

MOPAR partners with Pennzoil to offer a range of high-quality motor oils. From conventional to premium full-synthetic oil, they use the formulation best suited to your car’s engine and driving style, ensuring you always get long-lasting protection and performance. We have a full range of Pennzoil on hand and will be able to choose just the right one for your vehicle and driving conditions.

Thorough Service

While a quick oil change service center will certainly swap out the oil and filter, our Chrysler dealership goes a step further. We include a complimentary multi-point inspection, for example, and this involves checking critical items from your tire wear and pressures to fluid top-offs, keeping you informed of your vehicle’s overall needs.

Additional Perks

With our MOPAR Express Lane Service, we can offer you quick, efficient service without the need for an appointment. Additional benefits when you get your services done with us include shuttle services, rental options, a comfortable waiting area with Wi-Fi, complimentary coffee, a children’s play area, and even complimentary popcorn! We want to make your oil change experience seamless and pleasant.

The Importance of Following Your Schedule

Your Chrysler’s owner’s manual outlines the recommended interval for getting the oil swapped out, and this interval varies depending on the model year, engine type, and driving conditions. Factors like frequent towing, heavy stop-and-go city driving, or extreme temperatures can warrant more frequent changes. By following the manufacturer’s guidelines and trusting your dealership for regular service, you’re giving your engine its best chance at a long life.

Beyond the Basics

Our commitment to comprehensive vehicle care extends beyond the standard oil change process. Here are just a few other key services:

Tire Rotation

Proper tire rotation is crucial for even wear and maximizing tire lifespan. During a service, our technicians can expertly rotate your tires, which is a process that involves strategically shifting tires to different positions on the vehicle in a pattern that’s based on whether you have front-wheel drive, four-wheel drive, or rear-wheel drive. This equalization of tread wear lets you get the most miles out of your investment.

Brake Inspection

Brake health directly affects your safety, so your dealership technician will take a moment to visually inspect your brake pad thickness. This cursory check can alert you to potential early signs of wear, allowing you enough time to plan ahead for replacement and avoid the dangers of worn-out pads.

Air Filter Replacement

Your engine breathes in a constant stream of air, and the air filter works like a pollution mask, trapping dust, pollen, and debris that could otherwise harm your engine. A clogged air filter forces your engine to work harder, potentially impacting your fuel economy and performance. Our service team can inspect and replace your air filter as needed, ensuring your engine breathes freely for optimal operation.

Wiper Blade Check

Visibility is a cornerstone of safe driving, and worn windshield wiper blades can’t keep up with the demands of rain or snow. We can take a look at the condition of your blades and replace them with new ones if needed, improving your visibility and preparedness for those inevitable rainy days.

Additional Services

While your oil change service is the main event, we’ll also top off essential fluids like coolant, power steering fluid, and washer fluid, ensuring all levels are in the optimal range. We may also check and replace exterior light bulbs if needed, keeping you visible and in compliance with road regulations.
Choosing the experts at your Chrysler dealership means you get peace of mind knowing genuine parts and the correct grade of oil are used by technicians who understand your vehicle. Come see us at Auffenberg Chrysler of Herrin in Herrin, IL today to get your oil changed.