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What's Leaking From My Car?

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You go out to your car, start it up, pull out of your parking space and see a puddle of...something...where you were parked a moment ago. This is never a good feeling. What could it be? 
 
Fortunately, some automotive fluids are dyed different colors to make this a little easier to narrow down. 
 
Does it appear to be water? Were you recently running your A/C? Chances are that's just condensation from the A/C system, which drips out through a rubber tube and is perfectly normal. No worries there. 
 
For years, antifreeze was dyed a bright green to make it easy to identify. Today, other antifreeze formulations can be colored pink or orange, but it's still not hard to figure out -- antifreeze has a sweet-ish, unmistakable smell due to its ethylene glycol content.
 
Gasoline is a pale yellowish or orange color, and also has a distinct smell that you'll recognize right away. Gasoline evaporates quickly and may feel cool on your finger if you dip it into the puddle. It's also, of course, very flammable!
 
Motor oil is honey-colored or perhaps darker, depending on how long it's been in the engine, and is slippery when rubbed between thumb and forefinger. Transmission fluid has the same slippery feeling as motor oil, but is dyed a magenta color and may have a somewhat sweet smell. 
 
Power steering fluid is clear and often may feel more slippery than motor oil. Brake fluid is also very slippery and may have a more hazy yellowish color. 
 
What To Do About A Leak
 
If you regularly see a puddle under your vehicle that's bigger than an inch or two across, slide a sheet of cardboard under the engine and between the front wheels when you park it in the evening.
 
Leaks can be difficult to pin down on a vehicle that's already grimy and oily underneath (especially since the path of the leak will be blown backwards while driving). One way to isolate the source of a leak is to safely lift and secure the vehicle, get underneath it and clean the bottom of the engine and transmission with brake cleaner or a similar solvent. Spray the entire area with foot powder, which should then clearly show where the leak is originating. 
 
Leaks can be troubling, but older vehicles with high mileage tend to have gaskets and seals which dry up and shrink, causing at least minute leaks. Got any concerns? Make an appointment with us and let us track down that leak and fix it!
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Auto Repair and Tire Service in Ruston, LA and El Dorado, AR

Disney and Store

Joe's Tire Service Tire Pros, Inc., is a family owned business that has served this community for over thirty-five years. Our mission has always been to offer you the latest in parts and products, at the best prices, and with unparalleled service. Here at Joe's, we strive to make your experience as hassle free as possible, from our pick and delivery service, to our quick and friendly staff, we want to get you back to your day as quickly as possible. If you need something extra don't be afraid to ask, if we can't do it, we will find someone who can. We pledge our best efforts to make your experience both beneficial and enjoyable. Once you try us, we're sure you'll be back for more! That's Joe's Tire Service Tire Pros, home of the quick tire change, just look for the buffalo.


We serve
  • El Dorado, Arkansas
  • Magnolia
We offer
  • Alignments
  • Brake Service and Repair
  • Custom Wheels
  • Nitrogen
  • Transmission Service
  • Suspension, Shocks and Struts
  • 24-hour Farm Service Calls
  • Lift, lowering and leveling
We carry tires from
  • Michelin®
  • BFGoodrich®
  • Uniroyal®
  • Continental Tire
  • General Tire
  • Kumho
  • Nitto
  • Nexen
As well as
  • Moog
  • Monroe shocks
  • Wagner brake pads

Visit Our Shop

Contact Us

Phone: (870) 862-7914
Fax: (870) 862-1097
Address: 609 E Hillsboro St
El Dorado, AR 71730
Phone: (318) 232-6485
Fax:
Address: 2120 Farmerville Hwy
Ruston, LA 71270
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Make a Tire or Auto Repair Appointment Today!

Joe's Tire Service Tire Pros proudly serves the local Ruston, El Dorado, AR area. We understand that getting your car fixed or buying new tires can be overwhelming. Let us help you choose from our large selection of tires. We feature tires that fit your needs and budget from top quality brands, such as Michelin®, BFGoodrich®, Uniroyal®, and more. We pride ourselves on being your number one choice for any auto repair. Let us earn your business. Schedule an appointment today.