Oil Leak or Fluid Leak Repair & Cost - AutoGuru
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Oil Leak or Fluid Leak Inspection and Repair

Joel Ilton

Updated 10 Oct 2023

Joel Ilton

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How much is an oil leak or fluid leak repair?

Some fluid leaks can be small and relatively easy to repair, and some can require the removal of major engine or transmission components to rectify.

Depending on the nature of the repair, they can vary from $400 up to $1,000+.

Noticing a puddle of fluid under your vehicle is never a good feeling, and it is usually an indication that major repairs may need to be carried out.

Identifying the fluid that is leaking can help you figure out what component has failed and what to repair or replace to get your vehicle back to its best!

Symptoms of an oil/fluid leak

• Fluid under your vehicle
• Burning smell while driving
• Abnormal operation of transmission or power steering
Braking system requiring more pedal effort, or spongy pedal feel

Identifying the car fluid

There are many important fluids that keep your vehicle running as it should. Many of these fluids are different colours, so identifying what is leaking can be a simple process. Listed below are common fluid leaks, and the colour of the fluid:

Clear fluid

If you have been using the air-conditioning, it is normal for a puddle of clear liquid to appear under your vehicle.

This is condensation that has drained out of the air-conditioning system and is completely normal. It could also be windshield washer fluid, which can leak from a cracked bottle or a split washer hose.

Green or blue fluid

This indicates that the cooling system of your vehicle is leaking. Other symptoms may include a burning smell and your vehicle overheating when driving.

Some brake fluids are green or blue in colour, which may indicate your braking system is leaking, and symptoms may include increased stopping distances or a spongy feeling of the brake pedal.

Light or dark brown fluid

Light or dark brown fluid on the ground usually means that your engine is leaking oil. This could be from a failed gasket, a leaking hose, or a damaged engine component. Some brake fluids are also a brown colour, especially if it has not been flushed on a regular basis.

Pink or red fluid

On newer vehicles, a pink or red fluid leak can indicate an issue with the cooling system, or a power steering or automatic transmission leak.

Symptoms include a burning smell when driving, your vehicle overheating, the steering becoming heavier, or poor transmission operation.

Oil Leak or fluid leak inspection

Our mechanics will inspect your vehicle, find the type and source of the leak/s, and provide you with a detailed report on the cause of the leak/s, and a quote for the necessary repairs.

Oil leak or fluid leak repair

Our mechanics will carry out the necessary work to rectify the leak/s, and road test the vehicle to ensure the repair has been carried out successfully.

How important is having your oil leak or fluid leak inspected?

Operating your vehicle while it is leaking fluid or oil, can cause expensive engine damage, as well as making it unsafe to drive.

Failure of the braking system, or an overheating engine, may leave you and your family stranded in a dangerous situation.

Having the leak inspected and repaired as soon as it is noticed may save you on expensive and preventative repairs further on down the track.

If you notice any of these symptoms, have your vehicle inspected by one of AutoGuru's 1,600+ qualified workshops, or have a fully certified mobile mechanic come to your house or office – Too Easy!

Joel Ilton

Written By

Joel Ilton

Finding a passion for cars from a young age, Joel carried out work experience as a mechanic whilst at school before starting an apprenticeship after finishing year 12.

Joel is now the Workshop Manager at Robina Volkswagen.