What is leaking under my car's engine?

Question

there's a tiny droplet under my car for about two days now. Mechanic says its gear box oil cause its light colored, quite sticky and had repugnant smell. Is there cause to panic or can I wait for a week more before i go to the dealer? Its barely two years old car.

Answer 1

get it fixed small leaks make big leaks and are more costly

Answer 2

if the car is still under warranty go to the dealer and have them fix it.

Answer 3

All my cars leak oil.  Just check it every now and then. Running out of oil is a bad thing.  Only really good cars leak oil.  The more they leak, the better they are.

Answer 4

well im no genuis, but im guessing that it is some type of fluid.

Answer 5

it could be your gas ,oil,bake fluid, wind wiper fluid ......knowing the colour would tell what it is

Answer 6

oil.

Answer 7

I assume your car is still under the minimum 60,000 mile driveline warranty. Make your dealer fix the darn thing before it costs you dough down the line. Oil that stinks is usually rear end oil. Manual transmissions use lighter viscosity oil nowadays.

Answer 8

You don't say if it is a manual or automatic transmission, 2 or 4 wheel drive. If it is a manual, it is probably the transmission rear shaft seal or the input shaft of the differential. Manual transmissions and gear boxes/differentials use a heavy grade of oil. S.A.E.90-120. It is thick and smelly and will drip slowly because it is so dense. A quick look under the vehicle will spot a dark black ooze on any component. An easy way is to obtain a sheet of clean cardboard the length of the vehicle and lay it on the driveway. Park the car on top of it and back off slowly the next day. Note the position of the droppings and you will get a good idea where they came from.

Answer 9

oil

Answer 10

oil, dont panic, get it to the shop soon. A week is fine, just keep an eye on your oil pressure gauge, and always an ear out for funny noises. If anything changes kill the engine and seek professional help.

Answer 11

that is deffently gear oil wants you now what is smells like you dont forget it if its just a few drop hear and there you could get away with waiting a couple weeks as longs as your not one of them people that puts hundreds of miles on your car in a weeks.

Answer 12

its fine just be sure to check the oil levels in the tranny and engine

Answer 13

Mechanic is right no need to rush most trannys hold 2-3 quarts of fluid, however make an appt. with dealership to have fixed before it gets worse.

Answer 14

Try holding your breath for longer then normal....see how air tries to escape or your lips get wet??? Well, imagine an engine thats under 15lbs psi, or more, with a slight leak...the only thing for it to do is get bigger making it easier for the fluid to leak out...any fluid leaking is bad because it;s not there doing it's job...lubricating internal parts. If it's gear box oil then you need to have it repaired...probably expenive but better to spend a little now then having to call the insurance company and file an accident claim.