Reassure me for a day... Fluid leak identification

[mikeyr]

Noticed in the last few days my 14 plate petrol Focus has started dropping fluid, I'll put a picture below of the amount dropped over the last 18 hours.

I'm hoping it's 'just' oil but as the car had new gearbox seals a few weeks back is there any chance this light brown fluid is transmission oil? Makes a difference whether I'm panicky calling the garage first thing tomorrow or booking it in for later this week!

[Belle427]

Impossible to say really, what sort of area underneath is it leaking from?

[mikeyr]

Probably about level with the back of the front wheels... Fairly central.

Edited by mikeyr on Sunday 22 March 22:00

[stevieturbo]

Any distinctive smell from it ? Gear oil stinks.

[mikeyr]

Nothing obvious smell wise...

[Super Sonic]

If it is coming from near the back wheel, I would think it unlikely to be gearbox oil. Do you have anything spilled in your boot? (Asking from experience!)

[finlo]

Super Sonic said:

If it is coming from near the back wheel, I would think it unlikely to be gearbox oil. Do you have anything spilled in your boot? (Asking from experience!)

Although the passage of air beneath a vehicle Tends to push wayward fluids to the rear of said vehicle.

[Super Sonic]

finlo said:

Super Sonic said:

If it is coming from near the back wheel, I would think it unlikely to be gearbox oil. Do you have anything spilled in your boot? (Asking from experience!)

Although the passage of air beneath a vehicle Tends to push wayward fluids to the rear of said vehicle.

Not while it's parked.

[mikeyr]

My mistake, got it mixed up when typing, it's level with the back of the FRONT wheel

[paul_c123]

The only fluid around the back of a FWD car is brake fluid. And maybe fuel, if the fuel tank is around that area too.

[Super Sonic]

mikeyr said:

My mistake, got it mixed up when typing, it's level with the back of the FRONT wheel

Lol. It doesn't smell of gearbox oil, or fuel, it may be brake, clutch or steering fluid, keep an eye on their levels, if they are not dropping it could be screen wash or a/c condensate if you have had either of those running.

[Pica-Pica]

mikeyr said:

My mistake, got it mixed up when typing, it's level with the back of the FRONT wheel

Air conditioner drain-off? Scuttle drain-away? Is it actually oil?