What reason makes a dripping fuel leak categorized as a major defect?

A dripping fuel leak is categorized as a major defect primarily because it presents both a flammable hazard and an environmental risk. The presence of fuel in a leaking state can easily ignite from a spark or open flame, posing a serious safety threat to the vehicle's driver, passengers, and other road users. Moreover, leaking fuel can contaminate the surrounding environment, affecting soil and water quality, which is a significant concern for public health and ecological systems.

In contrast, options describing the issue as a minor inconvenience, minor hazard, or normal wear and tear fail to recognize the critical dangers associated with fuel leaks. A minor inconvenience suggests that the issue does not warrant serious attention, which is misleading given the potentially catastrophic implications of a fuel leak. Similarly, categorizing it as a minor hazard diminishes the urgency with which such defects must be addressed, while labeling it as normal wear and tear could lead to dangerous negligence in vehicle maintenance and operation. Understanding the serious nature of a dripping fuel leak is essential for ensuring the safety of all road users and protecting the environment.