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Two Methods:Checking the ReservoirsDetection by Spots

Various fluids are essential for your vehicle to remain in good working order. Sometimes, when a part begins to leak fluid, it can be difficult to detect. This article will tell you how to know if your car has a fluid leak.


Method 1 of 2: Checking the Reservoirs

  1. 1
    Check your owner's manual for the types of fluid you can check at home. The manual should also tell you how much of each fluid you need, and the type of antifreeze your car uses.
    • If one of the warning lights is lit on your dashboard, you can check the manual for what the light indicates (usually oil or coolant). When one of these lights are on, it is a sign that a leak is possible.
  2. 2
    Find the engine oil dipstick. In many vehicles it usually has a yellow handle. If you have difficulty locating the dipstick, look in your owner's manual.
    • Pull out the dipstick and examine it horizontally. There are two indicator marks, one is the top level and the other the lower level. The amount of oil should be between these two marks.
    • Wipe off the dipstick with a towel and place it back into the reservoir tank if it is at a normal level. If it isn't between the two lines, this indicates a possible leak.
  3. 3
    Find your engine coolant tank. If your engine is cold, see if the fluid level is between the hot and cold marks on the tank.
    • Sometimes you may have to take off the radiator cap to see clearly, depending on the color of your tank. If the fluid is below the cold line or is completely empty, you definitely have an antifreeze leak.
  4. 4
    Locate your power steering fluid tank. Remove the cap by turning it counter-clockwise. The dipstick is usually built into the cap with an indicator mark. If the liquid is below this mark or there's none on the stick, then you have a leak.
  5. 5
    Track down your master cylinder (brakes) reservoir. There should be a marker line on the side of the reservoir. If you cannot see the fluid clearly, you can unscrew the cap and look inside.
    • If the fluid is very low or gone, you have a leak. It is normal to have a slight decrease in fluid if your brake pads are worn down. However, if the pads are new, you may have a small leak.
  6. 6
    Check your windshield washer tank. Most tanks are transparent so you can see the fluid level easily. If you have a different type, consult your owner's manual for instructions.
    • Since you deplete your washer fluid more frequently, it can be difficult to detect a leak, but if you just filled it a week before and it is very low or empty, you probably have a leak.

Method 2 of 2: Detection by Spots

  1. 1
    Place cardboard pieces, newspaper or aluminum foil on your driveway under your car if you notice stains, but no noticeable decrease in fluids. This can provide evidence and valuable information about any leaks your car might have.
    • Examine whatever material you put down the next morning.
    • Note the location of any spots in relation to the car's tires. Knowing this can narrow down possible leaks.
  2. 2
    Inspect the color and consistency of the spots.
    • If you are seeing light brown or black stains that are of medium consistency you are leaking oil. A few drops is normal, but anything larger should be investigated.
    • Reddish, light brown or black stains that are near the center of the car is usually transmission fluid. If the color is similar to the transmission fluid, but is located in the front of the car, it is your power steering fluid.
    • Finding a pale brownish stain that is very slippery would indicate a brake fluid leak.
    • A spot of brightly colored fluid is antifreeze. Coolant comes in a variety of colors including green, red and yellow.


  • A sweet smell inside or around the car indicates an anti-freeze leak.
  • Some cars do not have a transmission dipstick to check fluid levels. If any spots resemble transmission fluid, you need to take the car to a mechanic.


  • Do not remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot. Doing so can cause serious injury.

Things You'll Need

  • Gloves
  • Paper towels
  • Cardboard, newspaper or aluminum foil

Article Info

Categories: Vehicle Fuels and Fluids

In other languages:

Español: saber si su auto tiene una fuga de liquido, Deutsch: Das Leck eines Flüssigkeitsbehälters im Auto feststellen, Русский: узнать, что у вашей машины утечка жидкости, Italiano: Sapere se l'Auto Ha Perdite di Liquidi, Português: Saber se há um Vazamento de Fluidos no seu Carro

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