Have you noticed blemishes on the pavement where your car is parked? What’s that all about? Is it something to worry about?

The answers to these questions are, ‘Depends.’ That’s probably not the simple answer you were hoping for. The answers really ‘depend’ on where, in comparison to parts of your car, truck or SUV, you find the spots. It also ‘depends’ on the color and odor of the spots, as well as their size.

A red spot near the front of the vehicle is probably a sign that you have a power-steering pump that is leaking. A reddish-brown spot close to the middle of the car, truck or SUV, or to one side of the front, could indicate that the transmission has a leak. A greenish fluid (in some cases, orange, depending on the make and age of your vehicle) is probably coolant/antifreeze that is leaking. This latter fluid usually has something of a sweet odor.

A brown spot under the engine area is probably engine oil leaking onto the pavement. If these fluids have a burnt odor, that could indicate problems in the components above that did the leaking.

Check your fluids

If they’re leaking sufficiently, you’ll find that you’re car, truck or SUV is low on the associated fluid. Check the power-steering reservoir, the transmission fluid (if you have a dip stick for checking trans fluid), the coolant/antifreeze reservoir, and the engine oil. You’ll want to fill that fluid but filling it isn’t enough. If it has leaked enough that it’s low, it’s only going to get low again.

You can’t always tell how badly the fluid is leaking based on the size of the spot on the pavement below the car, truck or SUV. When the vehicle is operating, those fluids are generally under pressure and will leak at a higher rate. In other words, the little puddle under the vehicle is merely a sample of what your vehicle is leaving on the road as you drive.

Have a pro take a look at what leaks from your car, truck or SUV

The best idea is to bring the vehicle in to a trusted auto repair shop and have a qualified auto repair technician take a look. You’ll want them to see if it’s something that needs repair. If it’s nothing to worry about, they’ll let you know. Either way, you’ll have the peace of mind knowing that the issue is either resolved.