Fuel Leak Under The Car
Dripping petrol or diesel under the car, a strong fuel smell or a fuel gauge that drops fast mean a fuel leak, which is a fire risk.
Critical risk
Do not start the engine. Keep away from flames and sparks and have the car inspected or moved by a workshop.
Short answer · What should I do if fuel is leaking?
Do not start or drive the car. Keep sparks, cigarettes and flames away and park in the open, not in a closed garage. Fuel dripping onto a hot exhaust can catch fire. Have the car recovered to a workshop. A slight fuel smell after refuelling is different and usually harmless.
Safe checks you can do
- Do not start the engineIgnition and hot parts can set fuel on fire.Keep away from flames; ventilate the area.
- Find the dripUnder the tank, along the lines or in the engine bay.
- Check the filler areaOverfilling or a broken filler neck can leak.
Questions that narrow it down
- Is the fuel smell strong?A real leak, not just vapour.
- Is the gauge dropping quickly?A larger leak.
- Is it diesel or petrol?Both are dangerous; petrol is more flammable.
Possible causes
Listed without ranking. Use the questions above to see which ones fit your car.
- Corroded fuel lineOlder cars and road salt.
- Leaking injector seal or railFuel in the engine bay.
- Damaged tankImpact or rust.
- Filler neck or hoseLeaks when the tank is full.
Questions about Fuel Leak Under The Car
Can I drive to the garage carefully?
No. Have the car recovered; a fuel leak can ignite.
Is a fuel smell after filling up a leak?
Not necessarily; a brief smell is normal. Drips are not.