TROUBLE SHOOTING - Spots, Streaks, Fluid

• Warning Lights and Gauges
• Spots, Streaks, Fluid
• Smoke
• Body/Paint
• Tire Wear

SYMPTOM: THE CAR USES MORE OIL THAN NORMAL, AND THERE ARE OIL PUDDLES UNDER THE CAR AFTER IT HAS BEEN PARKED

Description of problem:

You notice that the oil level is low between oil changes. You also notice puddles of oil under the car. It seems obvious that the loss of oil is due to oil leaks. Sometimes when you stop at a light or stop sign, smoke comes from under the hood. To identify the exact cause of the problem, it is best to look at the source of the oil leak. In addition to having the oil leaks repaired, you should make sure the engine always has the proper oil level. You may have also noticed that the car doesn't have the same amount of power as it once did. This type of problem seems to get worse once it develops.

PROBABLE CAUSES:

• The PCV system is not working properly.
• The engine may have mechanical problems.
• The engine's seals may be damaged.
• The oil filter may not be tightened properly.

SYMPTOM: WINDSHIELD WIPERS TURN ON BUT LEAVE STREAKS ACROSS THE WINDSHIELD

Description of problem: You turn on your windshield wipers and steaks are left as the wipers move across the windshield. The same areas of the windshield do not wipe clean, and you have poor vision because of the streaks. This can present a dangerous situation and should be corrected as soon as possible. This problem can occur occasionally or happen nearly every time the wipers are turned on. Likewise, the problem may suddenly appear or may gradually become worse.

PROBABLE CAUSES:

• Your wiper blades are too hard and need to be replaced.
• Your wiper blades are worn and need to be replaced.
• Your wiper blade arms need to be replaced or their tension adjusted.

SYMPTOM: YELLOW-GREEN PUDDLES UNDER CAR

Description of problem: When the car has been parked for several hours, you find yellow-green puddles on the ground under the engine.

PROBABLE CAUSES:

• Coolant leak.

SYMPTOM: BROWN OR BLACK PUDDLES OR SPOTS UNDER CAR

Description of problem: You see brown or black puddles or spots under car.

PROBABLE CAUSES:

• Oil leak.
• Differential or transaxle fluids leak.

SYMPTOM: CLEAR WATER SPOTS UNDER CAR

Description of problem: You see clear water spots under the car.

PROBABLE CAUSES:

• Normal air conditioning drain off or condensation.

SYMPTOM: REDDISH SPOTS UNDER CAR

Description of problem: You see reddish spots under car.

PROBABLE CAUSES:

• Automatic transmission fluid leak.
• Power steering fluid leak.

Troubleshooting infomation from Auto Site.