Practical advice
Quick answer
If you find a fresh oil stain under the car, first check roughly where it is and whether it is growing. A small old seep can often be booked for inspection, but a fast leak, oil warning light, burning smell or smoke is a reason not to keep driving and to call.
Oil or another fluid?
Not every stain under a car is engine oil. It may be gearbox oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid or air-conditioning condensation. Engine oil is usually greasy and darker, but the workshop check confirms it. Brake fluid or any large fluid leak should be handled quickly.
Why not delay it
Low oil level can damage the engine. Oil on hot parts can smell or smoke. Oil on chassis or brake-related parts can affect safety. It is better to identify the source before a small leak becomes a larger repair.
What to send before visiting
A photo of the stain, a photo of the area under the car, how fast the stain appears, whether the oil warning light is on and whether the car smells or smokes all help. If you are not sure, call and describe what you see.
Do not keep driving when
- the oil warning light is on or flashing
- oil leaks quickly and the stain grows
- the car smokes or smells burnt
- the leak is near brakes or tyres
- you are not sure whether it is brake fluid
Practical next step
The useful question is not just what might be wrong, but how urgent it is. A minor recurring symptom can usually be sent through the enquiry form. Anything involving brakes, steering, warning lights, leaks, loss of power or a car that cannot be driven safely is worth a phone call before you keep driving.
What to write before booking
Describe where the stain appears, its colour, whether it grows quickly and whether any warning light is on. A photo of the stain is useful. Include the make, model, year, approximate mileage and when the symptom appears. A photo of a warning light, leak, worn tyre, STK report or previous diagnostic result is often more useful than a long description.
How the workshop decides priority
First we separate safety-critical issues from routine service items. Brakes, steering, heavy leaks, smoke, serious noises, red warning lights and cars that cannot be driven safely take priority. We only start repair work once the finding and the agreed next step are clear.
Frequently asked questions
Can I still drive with this issue?
A small old stain can be booked for inspection. A fresh larger leak or warning light can make further driving risky.
What should I include in the request?
Describe where the stain appears, its colour, whether it grows quickly and whether any warning light is on. A photo of the stain is useful.
When is calling safer?
Call immediately for a fast leak, red oil warning light, burning smell or visible fluid level drop.