What to do if your car is leaking?

Sunday 12th July 2026

It can be alarming to see fluid leaking from your car, though it may not be a cause for concern right away. Check where the leak is coming from and confirm the leak is definitely coming from your vehicle, as you may have parked over a leak from another parked car.. 

What to do first if your car is leaking 

Once you've found the leak, work out what is leaking. The best way to do this is to place white paper or card under the leak to catch the drips, then check the colour and the smell; this helps to identify the substance, locate where it is coming from and how urgent the problem is. Use the guide below to identify the leak and your next steps. 

What colour and smell is the fluid? 

Car leaking water 

If your car is leaking water, it is unlikely to be anything serious. Leaking water can be caused by: 

• Windscreen washers 

• Condensation from the air con unit in summer 

• Condensation from the exhaust in winter 

If the problem persists or you are unsure if the substance is water or not, we recommend booking an inspection at your local Formula One Autocentres for peace of mind.

Car leaking petrol or diesel 

A fuel leak appears as a brown, multicoloured puddle with a strong petrol or diesel smell. A leaking fuel tank, a damaged fuel line, or a loose or cracked fuel cap can all cause a fuel leak. 

Stop driving. Fuel is highly flammable and could be a dangerous and costly issue. Avoid starting the engine near the leak and do not smoke, or use any device that could cause a spark. We recommend visiting your local Formula One Autocentres branch, where we can identify the issue, replace or repair damaged parts and get you safely back on the road. 

Car leaking transmission fluid? 

Red fluid leaking from your car could be transmission fluid. The reasons for this include: 

• Cracked fluid lines 

• Broken seals 

• General wear and tear 

• Failing gaskets 

We recommend checking the fluid level using the dipstick, following instructions in your owner's manual, and avoid driving your car until the leak is fixed. Ignoring the fault could be dangerous to you and other drivers and may cause further damage to your vehicle. We advise having your car towed to your nearest Formula One Autocentres branch where we can identify the problem and carry out the necessary repairs.. 

Car leaking oil? 

Black or dark brown fluid that feels slick and is hard to wash off your hands is engine oil. Keep the oil topped up to the correct level if you continue driving, so you don't cause any further lasting damage to your engine. 

Car leaking power steering fluid? 

A leak of a reddish-brown fluid  coming from under the engine block on the driver’s side is more than likely to be?power steering fluid. This has a distinctive sweet burnt smell.. This leak signifies there is an issue with the tubing and hoses that carry the fluid from the pump through to the steering rack. This could be due to a crack or a loose connection.? 

Check the fluid level to gauge how serious the leak is. You can usually still drive, but running on low fluid for long periods can damage the system. A loose connection may be an easy fix; a cracked hose needs replacing by a mechanic. 

Car leaking brake fluid? 

If you suspect your car is leaking brake fluid, this is a serious issue that needs attention as soon as possible. Without brake fluid, you won't be able to safely control or stop your vehicle. Stop driving as soon as you notice the leak and contact your local Formula One Autocentre branch straight away.  

Car leaking coolant? 

If your car is leaking coolant,?your vehicle may be at risk of overheating. Coolant runs through hoses around the engine to help regulate its temperature, so a leak can occur at any of these points. A cracked reservoir or damaged hose usually needs a garage visit to fix properly. 

?Is your car leaking gas? 

A gas leak is different from a liquid leak and comes from one of three systems: 

• Exhaust gas leaks happen when the exhaust manifold, pipe or a gasket cracks, letting exhaust gases escape before they reach the tailpipe. This risks carbon monoxide entering the cabin, and carbon monoxide has no smell or colour, so a rattling exhaust, a smell of fumes inside the car, headaches or dizziness while driving are the signs to watch out for. Stop driving, ventilate the car, and get it inspected immediately. 

• Air conditioning refrigerant leaks reduce cooling performance over time rather than escaping suddenly. Refrigerant gas is not usually dangerous in the small amounts a typical leak releases, but it should still be repaired by a technician rather than simply topped up, since a leak will recur. 

• Fuel vapour leaks come from the evaporative emissions system rather than the fuel tank itself. You may notice a persistent petrol smell without a visible liquid leak, sometimes alongside an illuminated engine warning light. Book a diagnostic test as soon as possible.  

Help prevent leaks by booking in for an interim service?to ensure your vehicle is performing as it should. Simply visit?your nearest Formula One Autocentres branch or?contact our helpful team?to find out more.?