A petrol car with a continuous oil leak can fail Spain’s ITV inspection, mechanic Pedro Bastida says. Inspectors can spot the drip easily, and it poses a safety risk, particularly because of the fire hazard associated with petrol engines.
Bastida draws a clear line: a small oil stain is one thing, but a steady drip means the car cannot pass. “One thing is a bit of oil seeping out, but if it’s dripping continuously, the car is not fit for the test,” he says. At his workshop, he demonstrates the problem as oil pools on his finger. Recent technical reviews in leading Spanish auto magazines say inspectors distinguish between old oil marks and fresh, steady drips. The latter mean an automatic fail, and the car must be repaired before it can pass. Official ITV guidelines also require inspectors to check visually for leaks involving oil, coolant and brake fluid during every inspection.
Petrol cars face particular scrutiny. Bastida describes gasoline engines as “extremely flammable,” making an ongoing oil leak a fire risk. Mechanics and inspectors can check underneath the car. If oil is dripping, they cannot overlook the issue. Sector experts have also stressed in recent reports that oil leaks in petrol cars pose a fire hazard as well as a technical problem.
Mechanical and safety faults are a leading reason cars fail Spain’s ITV: two out of every ten do not pass. Excess emissions, often detected through electronic checks, account for nearly 9% of failures. Lighting and signaling problems, including broken or misaligned headlights, are also common. AECA-ITV data and recent industry analysis show that about 19% of cars failed their first ITV in 2025. Bastida says oil leaks are easy to prevent but can be disastrous if ignored. Drivers should fix visible problems before the test.
Spain continues to tighten vehicle safety rules, with stricter controls and more advanced monitoring. Earlier reporting noted that changes in foreign regulations can shape local standards. The basic requirement remains: a visible, unfixed hazard will keep a car from passing. Recent Spanish industry publications, including Motor16, also cite fluid leaks and lighting faults, along with tire issues and electronic malfunctions, among the most common reasons for ITV failures. These problems continue to concern drivers year after year.
A quick check for oil leaks before the ITV can save time and money, and help prevent a failed test. Nearly one in five cars is turned away for mechanical or safety faults. Bastida’s advice is simple: check for leaks and fix them to keep the car on the road and stay safe.
