Fluid leaking from my car smells like a dead animal...please help?

Question

There is fluid leaking from the front, center (in line with my front tires) of my car. The fluid smells like a dead animal, I can smell this from inside my car as well, but it's obviously stronger from the outside of the vehicle. I checked the fluid and it's not blood, so I'm guessing it's not an animal. It's dripping pretty badly too. I had my AC on all today, not sure if that matters.

Anyways, I have a couple questions:

1) The obvious question: What is this fluid?

2) More importantly: If you know what this is, can I still drive on the expressway tomorrow afternoon? (For instance, if it has to do with air conditioning or something, I'll still drive, but if it's steering or brake fluid, I'm of course not going to drive)

Thank you in advance, I appreciate it!

Answer 1

i've never compared the smells of any fluids to a dead animal but if i had to choose one, it would be transmission fluid. you should check your dipstick for the transmission to see what the fluid level is. before jumping onto a interstate/highway, stop by a parts store and ask one of the guys there to come out and get it a once over.

Answer 2

Tranny fluid is leaking from the lines going to the radiator.

Most likely a hose.

Good luck

Answer 3

Wow It could be oil, tranny fluid, blinker fluid, diff fluid, brake fluid, ac condensation, washer fluid....I'd probably use some common sense and take it to a shop in the morning and have it put on a lift, pay to have it looked at before your trip.

Answer 4

Probably antifreeze....It has a funky smell when it gets old.

  Did that guy actually say "blinker fluid"? LOL...........

Check both radiator hoses for leaks.It will look like green tinted water.

Answer 5

Will S said it could be Blinker fluid? What the #$@$ is blinker fluid?

Answer 6

I've always thought used gear oil smelled like dirty feet, but you may, or may not use any.

What kind of car? What color fluid? and How much is leaking?

It sounds like a transmission fluid (front seal) which could be gear oil, or have that same smell.

All your fluid levels can be checked, even a manual transmission has provisions for that. Find a neighbor who can help. Check all your reservoirs and try and identify what is leaking before you drive.