Want to keep your Kia running right? You’ve got to take care of it. But what can you do when you have fluid leaking from the engine? Most leaks are best handled by a professional, and that means taking a trip to your Kia dealer.
Why Is Fluid Leaking From Your Car?
Have you spotted a mysterious puddle under your car? If it’s clear water on a hot day, it could be nothing more than condensation dripping from your air conditioner. Colored puddles, on the other hand, might be one of several vital fluids leaking out of your car, sending you down the road to serious car trouble and expensive repairs. The first step in any suspected leak is trying to identify the fluid.
Engine Oil Leaks
Engine oil is typically dark brown or black and feels slick. Leaking oil will usually come from the engine area. You might also notice smoke coming from your engine or the smell of burning oil.
What Happens If You Ignore an Oil Leak?
An oil leak can lead to severe engine damage. Insufficient lubrication increases your risk of total engine failure, and that means expensive repairs. Low oil levels also reduce the overall efficiency of your engine, which is bad news for your fuel economy and performance.
Dealing With Oil Leaks
Oil can leak due to degraded engine gaskets, a damaged oil pan, failing oil seals, or improper installation of one of these components. Our technicians can replace any faulty parts, and ensure all the pieces are properly fitted to prevent fluid leaking in the future.
Coolant Leaks
Coolant is pretty easy to identify compared to other fluids. It can be green, orange, pink, blue, or yellow, with a slimy feel and a sweet smell. If it’s leaking, it will usually come from the radiator or engine areas.
What Happens If You Ignore a Coolant Leak?
Neglecting a coolant leak can lead straight to an overheated engine. The longer you run your car without enough coolant in it, the higher the temperatures in the engine can go, speeding up wear and tear. Overheating can cause some serious damage to your engine and lead to a breakdown.
Dealing With Coolant Leaks
Cracked radiators, loose hoses, or deteriorated radiator caps are common causes. At the Kia dealership, our technicians can pressure test your system, replace any damaged parts, and check to be sure the system is sealed correctly.
Transmission Fluid Leaks
Slippery red or brown fluid leaking from the front or middle of your car is probably transmission fluid. If you see these stains on your driveway or notice a slick residue under your vehicle, bad news: it looks like your transmission is leaking.
What Happens If You Ignore a Transmission Fluid Leak?
If you don’t take care of a transmission fluid leak, your transmission can run dry. That means overheating, increased friction, and eventually, transmission failure. Low transmission fluid can also lead to erratic shifting and slipping gears, and can drastically reduce the lifespan of your transmission.
Dealing With Transmission Fluid Leaks
Damaged pan gaskets, failing seals, or degraded fluid lines are the top reasons for a leaking transmission. The technicians at your Kia dealer can repair or replace the damaged parts and refill the system to the correct level.
Brake Fluid Leaks
Brake fluid is clear to brown and slick, usually leaking near the wheels or under the brake pedal inside your vehicle. If you notice a small puddle or unexplained wetness along the lines or under your car after parking, it’s important to check if it’s brake fluid.
What Happens If You Ignore a Brake Fluid Leak?
Do not ignore leaking brake fluid. As brake fluid levels drop, the effectiveness of your braking system decreases, meaning you need more distance to stop. Delaying repairs to your brake system can lead to brake failure, putting you at a greater risk of accidents.
Dealing With Brake Fluid Leaks
Worn brake lines, damaged master cylinders, or leaking calipers are typical causes of brake fluid leaking. You’ll need professional help from your Kia dealer to replace the compromised parts, bleed the system to remove any air pockets, and refill it with high-quality brake fluid to ensure the best possible performance from your brakes.
Power Steering Fluid Leaks
Power steering fluid is typically red or light brown, similar to transmission fluid. If it’s leaking, you’ll usually find a drip or a puddle at the front of the car.
What Happens If You Ignore a Power Steering Fluid Leak?
If you ignore your power steering fluid leaking, it could lead to a complete loss of steering assistance, making your vehicle difficult and dangerous to steer. This loss of control can dramatically increase your risk of accidents. Operating a car with low power steering fluid can also cause damage to the pump and pieces of the steering system, leading to bigger bills than if you’d just gotten it fixed in the first place.
Dealing With Power Steering Fluid Leaks
Common issues that cause power steering fluid leaks include worn-out seals in the power steering pump or cracks in the fluid lines. To fix it, you’ll need to head to the Kia dealership. Our technicians can replace the damaged parts, flush the system to remove any contaminants, and refill it with fresh fluid to restore smooth and responsive steering.
Windshield Washer Fluid Leaks
Windshield washer fluid is typically light blue and watery, although it may also be orange or light green. Leaks are most likely to spring from the front of the car where the reservoir is located.
Dealing With Windshield Washer Fluid Leaks
This fluid typically leaks due to a cracked reservoir or damaged hoses. The technicians here at the dealership can quickly and easily replace any damaged parts, ensuring your washer system works perfectly when you need it.
Get Help From Your Kia Dealer
No matter the leak, professional help is key to a safe and effective repair. Our technicians are trained to handle your car specifically. We’ll use OEM parts that guarantee performance and fit, getting you back on the road as soon as possible.
Fluid leaks can range from mildly inconvenient to critically dangerous. If you’ve got a mystery leak coming from your car, call Auffenberg Kia of Cape Girardeau in Cape Girardeau, MO, to schedule an appointment today.
