Just drove the car this morning for a few miles to work then when I got there steam coming from under the bonnet on the driver side. The car has not over heated but there does seem to be some fluid leaking from the driver side of the engine bay. Any ideas anyone before I take it to the local garage?

 

First idea would be to pop the bonnet and isolate exactly where it's coming from - at least as best you're able. Post if you need some advice working out the geography of stuff. Also probably a good idea to tell us what you're driving and how old it is.

Under ideal circumstances you need to work out the scale of the leak and most importantly how much fluid (assuming it's coolant, but same applies if it turns out t be burning oil) is left in the engine before you take it anywhere. If it's empty or seriously depleted, you'll need to top it back up with something before driving down the garage.

 

could be the radiator if its a classic as they tend to split on the drivers side!
will only see leak/steam after a run when its warmed up!

 

yeh sorry its a STi8 and was leaking from drivers side

 

Has it been hissing down where you live? If so it could just be water on the manifold and running down from somewhere. As stated previous check all the levels and then run the engine with the bonnet up to see where the steam is coming from.

 

Whereabouts on the driver's side? At the front near the radiator, at the back of the engine? Have you opened the bonnet to look yet? If so where is wet/covered in dried coolant?

We can give you pointers but ultimately this is your car and you're the only one able to actually look at it. Not like we can.

 

Might just be rain evaporating from outside of radiator and nothing to worry about. Does it smell, antifreeze has a distinct sweet smell.