Keeping your car well-maintained is the key to a long-lasting vehicle. It is important to be aware of the state of your car by taking note of how it sounds, feels, smells, and even by the color of fluid leaked on your driveway paving.

Though stains are an unwelcome addition to your driveway, they can be incredibly helpful in diagnosing your vehicle. So before you call Beausoleil & Sons, in Cranston, RI, to install and repair your driveway paving, study the leakage to get better understand your car. Being able to recognize and decipher the different types and colors of fluid will help keep your automobile healthy:

Brown or Black

The most common fluid leak is typically brown or black. Pair the dark color with the smell of gasoline, and you can easily identify the stain as engine oil. If engine oil is getting onto your driveway paving, check for a cracked oil pan or a loose oil filter or drain plug. If you are unable to locate the issue yourself, visit a repair shop. If engine oil is leaking, outside contaminants could potentially harm the quality of the oil and the overall performance of the car.

Red-Brown

If your car has an automatic transmission, you may notice a reddish-brown stain on your asphalt paving. If you notice a burnt smell, or even a slightly nutty aroma, the culprit is most likely to be transmission fluid. Automatic transmission fluid differs from manual transmission oil in color and texture, a manual appearing more brown and thick. Check your fluids immediately and visit your mechanic if levels are low.

Green or Yellow

A coolant leak can appear either green or yellow and smells sweet. While a loss of coolant won't necessarily damage your vehicle, the fluid itself is toxic. Because it smells so sweet, animals can be attracted to it. Keep pets away until you can thoroughly wash your driveway and resolve the issue. To locate a coolant leak, check the radiator and follow the hose until the crack is spotted.

If the stain left behind is unbearable, Beausoleil & Sons, in Cranston, RI, is an elite commercial and residential paving company with over 40 years’ experience in driveway installations and repairs. For more information, visit their website or call (401) 632-0203 today.