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Older, neglected cars develop all manner of small problems, and owners often shrug them off. Performance then drops, and the end is nearer than it looks. Simple oil seepage is a case in point: several kinds of drip are the prelude to a major fault.
1. Lubricant leaks
Leave the car parked for a few hours and find patches on the ground, and you should take notice: engine oil or gear oil is escaping. Causes range from cracked components to aged hoses and loose bolts. A leak means accelerated wear, so top up and get it checked.
2. Coolant leaks
Coolant prevents freezing and also inhibits corrosion, resists rust and transfers heat. If the radiator hoses or the radiator itself are seeping, repair them promptly.
3. Fuel leaks
Petrol evaporates readily, so a strong smell means trouble: a loose filler cap, overflow, or a leak at the tank or line joints. If it is dripping underneath, stop at once, let it drain, and push the car clear before starting. In summer, one spark can set it alight.
4. Engine oil seepage
On a new engine this usually comes from assembly or design, and a dealer can replace the seal. On an older engine, oil seeps past hardened seals as a matter of course; a weep is not urgent, but a drip is.