Noticing puddles or drips under your vehicle can be alarming, but in many cases, a car leaking water isn’t a sign of serious trouble. At Audi Lafayette, our certified technicians frequently encounter water leaks, many of which are harmless. However, it’s always wise to understand what causes the leak and when it becomes a concern. Below, we will walk you through common causes and when to bring your car in for service.

Identifying The Cause Of Leaking Water

Have you noticed water leaking from under the car? Follow these steps to find where it's coming from.

• Place a sheet of paper under the leak. If the fluid is something other than water, its color will appear on the paper. If it's blue, green, or yellow, it's probably 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. That will result in large amounts of water and white smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe.

• While coolant is usually easy to spot due to its color, you can always check the level to make sure. If it's low, you'll want to bring your car to a certified service center quickly.

• The leak may be coming from a cracked windshield wiper fluid reservoir. That can be caused by using water in your windshield wiper fluid. The water freezes in the reservoir, expanding and causing the plastic container to crack. You can tell it's windshield wiper fluid by its light blue or light green color. Wiper fluid leaks can usually be found near the front tires.

If the cause is anything other than condensation, it's worth visiting us near West Lafayette and Frankfort.

What Fluid Is Leaking From My Car?

If you place a sheet of paper under your vehicle and the leaking fluid isn't clear, it's not water. Follow this guide to find out what the problem is, then schedule service:

• 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

Visit Our Service Center

At Audi Lafayette, we care about your safety and your car’s performance. If you’re concerned about any leaking in greater amounts or with an unusual color or smell, bring your vehicle in. Our expert service technicians will help you ensure your Audi runs smoothly in Chicago without hidden damage.