Finding a dark puddle under your car can stop you in your tracks—especially when you realize it’s oil. Whether it's a few drops or a full-on stain, seeing oil under your vehicle usually brings up the same questions: How serious is it? Is it safe to keep driving? And what should you do next? While not every oil leak is a sign of disaster, ignoring one can lead to much bigger problems. Here’s how to tell what you’re dealing with and what steps you should take if you spot oil under your car. Start with a Quick Check The first thing to do is confirm that the fluid is actually motor oil. Engine oil tends to be amber or honey-colored when fresh, and dark brown or black when old. It has a slick feel between your fingers and doesn’t evaporate like water or smell like fuel. You’ll usually find it dripping from the area beneath the engine—generally toward the front or middle of the vehicle. If the spot is more reddish or pink and ... read more