If your car is leaking yellow liquid, it is probably coolant, which keeps the engine from getting too hot. Large leaks should be taken seriously, as loss of too much coolant leads to severe engine damage.
Coolant comes in several colors and one of these is yellow. It is oily and slippery to the touch. It usually drips from the radiator or the front of the engine. Loss of coolant through the water pump or hose can result in serious damage to an engine that becomes too hot.
A leak that leaves a puddle between 1 and 2 inches wide should be investigated, but does not pose a serious problem. If the puddle is 3 or more inches wide, immediate attention should be given to the leak.
When the engine is cool, check fluid levels in the coolant tank and radiator. A hose from the radiator leads to the coolant tank. If fluids are low, a temporary fix is to top off the tanks with distilled water. Check all hoses, the cylinder head and the radiator drain plug for signs of a leak. If the problem lies in one of those places, the solution is simple enough for many people to do themselves. If the leak is consistent and you are unable to fix it, take the car immediately to a repair shop, where an expert can diagnose the problem and fix it.
