Why Does My Air Conditioner Smell When I Turn It On?

Finding a puddle of liquid under your car in the driveway might raise a flag. While not all liquid leaks need immediate fixing, many of them can be an indicator of issues with an important system.  Check out these common leaks and liquids that you might be seeing under your car. If the leaking liquid is appearing under your car most days, it's a good idea to bring it in to see the experts and have things fixed up. more Diagnosing Common Car Leaks Coolant or Antifreeze A neon puddle of either green, pink, blue or orange that smells slightly sweet and feels slightly viscous between your fingers is indicating a problem with your radiator, water pump, coolant reservoir or radiator hoses. This leak could result in an overheating engine if not repaired. Oil Oil under your car will look black or brown and feel thick and slippery when you touch it. An acidic smell might also indicate engine oil. A leaking oil filter seal, loose oil pan plug, or leaking oil gasket may be the cause. You'll need to check your oil levels before driving. Gasoline A gasoline leak has a distinct smell and will look almost like water on the ground (minus the potentially rainbow appearance in direct sunlight). This leak means you have an issue with your fuel pump, injector or a leak in the fuel line or gas tank. Have this checked out and repaired before you lose more fuel! Brake Fluid Brake fluid under your car will look clear or light yellowish-brown with an oily feel. It will smell strongly of avid and indicates a problem with the brake system, brake lines, calipers or wheel cylinders. Any issues with your brakes should be taken very seriously, so please have this checked out as soon as possible! Transmission Fluid Transmission problems can be expensive, but if you see a puddle of dark red or brown or light red or light brown, it's worth having it checked out. This leak could indicate issues with the transmission pan gasket, fluid lines, or seals.

So, you just drove over a particularly nasty pothole and you're unsure whether it may have damaged your vehicle. If that's the case, you're not alone. Many of us fall victim to the nasty holes in the road that form during the temperature changes at the end of the winter. However, with these five tips, you can make sure your car is still running its best, or schedule your service appointment before things get out of hand! more Where to Look For Pothole Damage Your vehicle can take damage in quite a few parts when you hit the king of potholes. Check these five locations over after you get home to note any parts that might need repairs. Tires: Check your tires for the tread splitting from the wheel and for any bulges or cracks. These problems can turn into a flat tire and may be dangerous to drive on. Wheel Rims: Look closely at your rims to discover any cracks, dents, or chips. These can indicate that the air-tight seal between the rim and your tire has been damaged. Suspension System: Your suspension is made to absorb shocks, but a pothole is a whole different ballgame. If you notice intense vibration, or your steering pulling in one direction while you drive, schedule an appointment to have things checked out! Exhaust: Loud sounds coming from your exhaust could mean it was damaged when you hit the pothole. Also stop in for an inspection if you notice the smell of leaking exhaust inside your vehicle! Low-Hanging Body: If your vehicle rides low to the ground, your bumper or side-skirts could be damaged when you hit a pothole. These damages are usually only cosmetic, but if you want to keep your car looking its best, have them repaired with us! Schedule Pothole Repairs Racine WI If you're interested in having your vehicle repaired after noticing damage from a pothole, give us a call or schedule an appointment online. Be sure to stop by our service center coupons page to see if you can save a few bucks when you come to visit!

Keeping your vehicle running its best comes down to more than avoiding car accidents. The experts at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram of Racine are here to help you ensure that your vehicle gets the quality attention and care it needs to run its best for as long as possible. Check out this spring service checklist and be sure to bring your vehicle in, as the weather warms up, to see our service team and get things cleaned up. more Read More: How Does Weather Impact My Vehicle's Suggested Oil Change Interval? Free Online Service Coupons Gurnee IL Windshield Wiper Blades: Your wiper blades are often worn after a winter of iced windshields and freezing temperatures. Replace them to ensure the spring rainstorms don't affect your view of the road. Wheel Rotation & Alignment: Regular rotations and alignments will keep your suspension and tires in good shape for a longer period of time. Battery & Alternator Inspection: After a winter of cold temperatures, your battery might need replacing. Have both your battery and alternator tested to ensure your vehicle starts reliably. Belts & Hoses: Cracks, swelling or fraying of belts and hoses can cause them to fail. Should any belts or hoses look less than ideal, it's better to replace them before they snap. Schedule Fiat Maintenance & Repairs Milwaukee WI If you think your vehicle could use a tune-up this spring, don't hesitate to schedule an appointment with our skilled service team. We've got the high-quality tools and the factory-direct parts to ensure your vehicle leaves driving better than when it arrived. Give us a call or schedule your appointment using our online tool.