What Should You Do if Your Engine Is Leaking?

Your Lincoln’s engine contains a variety of fluids. Each of these fluids has a specific function in the smooth operation of your car. If you experience an engine leaking, your Lincoln dealer can repair it for you. We’d like you to know about some of the fluids that could leak and how they affect your engine.

Engine Leaking? Visit Your Lincoln Dealer Today

Coolant

Coolant is pink, blue, yellow, or green, and it’s a mixture of antifreeze and water. The coolant’s job is to absorb heat radiating from your engine and transport this heat to the radiator for dispersal via heat exchange. Coolant can leak from a variety of places, including worn radiator hoses, a damaged radiator, or a faulty seal. If your engine is leaking coolant, you’ll see a sharp rise in engine temperature. If the leak isn’t repaired, your engine could overheat.

Oil

Fresh oil is gold-colored but will turn brown and then black as it works. Oil is pumped through your engine and it provides friction protection to all the engine components. The oil helps to reduce the engine temperature by cooling the hot components as it passes over them. It also contains additives that prevent rust and reduce blockages. Oil will usually leak from a damaged or cracked seal. If oil continues to leak, engine components can seize up.

Transmission Fluid

Transmission fluid is bright or dark red and has a slightly sweet smell. It provides the hydraulic pressure that allows your gears to shift smoothly and easily. It’s pumped through the transmission and protects the transmission components with a friction-resistant coating. Friction-resistant protection is essential in transmission components, as many of them rely on friction to operate effectively. A lack of transmission fluid will cause problems shifting gears, and the transmission can overheat.

Fuel

Fuel leaks are dangerous, as fuel is highly flammable. It has a very distinctive smell, but it can be difficult to see as it’s clear in color. This liquid can leak from various places, including a damaged fuel line, a cracked seal, or damage to the intake manifold. Depending on the site and size of the leak, your car can rapidly run out of gas and stop.

Brake Fluid

Brake fluid is another fluid that can be difficult to see. It’s clear with a slight yellow tinge, and it’s essential for your braking system. The fluid provides the hydraulic pressure that forces the calipers against the rotors, which brings your car to a stop. Brake fluid can leak from rusted brake lines, worn brake hoses, or a leak in the brake fluid reservoir. A loss of brake fluid will make braking more difficult and dangerous.

Fluid leaks are usually due to delayed servicing and maintenance, as components gradually wear out and need regular replacement. If you spot any leaking fluid, call our service department ASAP at Bayway Lincoln.

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