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.
