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What kind of fluid is this? 2000 Toyota Camry
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Hard to tell from the picture, but it looks like oil.
eta: The upper left part looks like condensation from the AC, looks clear. I get the same thing from using defrost, which uses the AC.
This looks pink/reddish, to the left of the main spot.
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Dumb question, but have you checked the levels of the various fluids (brake, steering, etc.) under the hood?
Looks like coolant, could be power steering or brake fluid. All three could have a very light reddish tint.
Like someone said above, you could get a good level check, then re-check the next time you have notable fluid loss.
If you get down and give it a good smell, you can sometimes ID the fluid. Brake fluid has an organic, oily smell with a faint fishy aroma, and while PS fluid will also smell like oil, itll have a burnt smell (and not really any fishiness). Coolant has a sweet smell, its pretty distinctive vs. the other two.
Youre probably running red coolant, but you can check the color, and if its actually green (or another color), you might be able to cross that off the list as the source (the fluid in the photo does seem to have a slight red/rusty hue).
Is the car intermittently running hot? Does is make odd noises when you turn the wheel? (especially at full lock) Do your brakes feel like theyre traveling much further down in the stroke on occasion? Ever see white smoke?
Like someone said above, you could get a good level check, then re-check the next time you have notable fluid loss.
If you get down and give it a good smell, you can sometimes ID the fluid. Brake fluid has an organic, oily smell with a faint fishy aroma, and while PS fluid will also smell like oil, itll have a burnt smell (and not really any fishiness). Coolant has a sweet smell, its pretty distinctive vs. the other two.
Youre probably running red coolant, but you can check the color, and if its actually green (or another color), you might be able to cross that off the list as the source (the fluid in the photo does seem to have a slight red/rusty hue).
Is the car intermittently running hot? Does is make odd noises when you turn the wheel? (especially at full lock) Do your brakes feel like theyre traveling much further down in the stroke on occasion? Ever see white smoke?
No my car isn't running hot. What does down in the stroke on occasion mean? I'm sorry I'm confused. Thank you. No I don't see any white smoke.
The only way to know for sure is put something impermeable, like a aluminum oven liner that has a large area to catch the drips, then take that to the shop.
This is not a dumb question. You definitely need to check fluids if you see a leak that doesn't look like just water from the air conditioning.
One of the best ways to find out where it is coming from is to place a piece of cardboard under the engine area overnight.
In the morning check out the spots where it was leaking.
In the morning check out the spots where it was leaking.
johnnyturbouk
macrumors 68000
It was the radiator that had been leaking all this time. It's already been replaced. Thank you everyone for your help/
When in doubt.... taste it.
Seriously though. If I see an odd fluid from my vehicle that I can't quickly visually identify, a quick taste test will typically narrow it down pretty easily. Not talking about licking the pavement here or taking a gulp, just rub a finger in it and touch it to your tongue.
You're going to find 4 main types of fluid leaks.
Condensation - no flavor other than the dirt on the ground
Coolant - sticky with a sickly sweet flavor (why animals like to drink it even though it kills them)
Oil - tastes like is smells, usually a charred burnt taste
Hydraulic fluid - oily, but distinctly different from motor oil, very sharp (brake fluid, power steering fluid)
Can also rub it between two fingers and look for identifying properties. Is it oily? Probably hydraulic fluid or motor oil.
Seriously though. If I see an odd fluid from my vehicle that I can't quickly visually identify, a quick taste test will typically narrow it down pretty easily. Not talking about licking the pavement here or taking a gulp, just rub a finger in it and touch it to your tongue.
You're going to find 4 main types of fluid leaks.
Condensation - no flavor other than the dirt on the ground
Coolant - sticky with a sickly sweet flavor (why animals like to drink it even though it kills them)
Oil - tastes like is smells, usually a charred burnt taste
Hydraulic fluid - oily, but distinctly different from motor oil, very sharp (brake fluid, power steering fluid)
Can also rub it between two fingers and look for identifying properties. Is it oily? Probably hydraulic fluid or motor oil.
Check your fluids... If that is indeed oil it seems like a lot and you are probably pretty low. I would top it off and get to the shop asap if you are not mechanically inclined to DIY.
IMO it looks like either coolant or powersteering/brake. Do your brakes feel spongy? Steering stiff and hard to turn?
IMO it looks like either coolant or powersteering/brake. Do your brakes feel spongy? Steering stiff and hard to turn?