Car Leaking Oil? How to Fix Engine Oil Leaks
Engine oil leaks can be a major headache for car owner. Especially when they’re left unchecked. Not only can an oil leak lead to bigger problems under the hood. But it can also affect your car’s performance and even put your safety at risk.
So, what to do when your car is leaking oil?
In this guide by Perth Auto Mechanic, we’ll explore the causes and solutions for engine oil leaks and give you practical solutions on how to fix an oil leak effectively. Additionally, if you’re in need of any engine repairs, we are here to provide efficient and reliable oil leak or fluid leak repair services to keep your car running smoothly.
Let’s fix it before the situation gets even more tricky.
But First, What Causes Oil Leaks? Explore 9 Reasons
If you’ve noticed mysterious oil spots where your car’s been parked. You’re probably wondering, “Why is my car leaking oil?” Here’s a rundown of the most common oil leak causes. And the good news is, understanding the cause is the first step toward a fix.
1. Leaky or Faulty Oil Filter
Over time, oil filters can wear out or become loose. Especially if they’re not changed regularly or installed incorrectly.
If you change your own oil, it’s easy to overlook this step or leave the filter a bit loose. To see if this is causing the oil leak, check the oil filter’s seal. Make sure it’s tight and properly seated.
2. Worn-Out Gaskets
Gaskets play an important role in keeping everything sealed up and leak-free.
They are the peacemakers between different engine parts. They keep oil contained. But over time, these gaskets can wear out and create leak points. Your engine has several gaskets, including:
- valve cover gasket
- timing cover gasket
- oil pan gasket
- cylinder gas gasket
3. Oil Pan Damage
The oil pan is the reservoir that holds your motor oil. Sitting right at the bottom of your engine, it’s vulnerable to impact if you hit debris or go over a high-speed bump.
If the pan itself or the gasket sealing it gets damaged, you’ll likely notice oil spots underneath your car.
4. Aging Oil Seals
Seals, like gaskets, are designed to keep oil in place. But over time, seals can dry out, crack, or simply wear out. This leads to oil leaks.
If you notice oil dripping from the front or back of the engine, it might be coming from the crankshaft seals or camshaft seals. Since these seals are tucked deep within the engine, it’s best to have a professional check and fix these.
5. Loose Connections / Poor Part Installation
With all the connections, hoses, and fittings circulating oil through the engine, things can loosen or wear down over time. Loose or degraded connections around the oil filter or cooler lines can cause leaks. And if bolts or gaskets weren’t tightened right during a previous service, oil might seep out. A quick check on these connections can sometimes be all it takes to fix the issue.
6. Loose Drain Plug
Each oil change involves removing the drain plug. So, if it’s not tightened properly afterward, oil will start to leak. Many drain plugs also have a seal that can wear out over time. Luckily, this is usually a simple fix – tighten the plug or replace it if necessary, and the leak should stop.
7. Faulty Oil Pressure Sensor
The oil pressure sensor is another part that can be prone to leaks. Particularly because it’s often made of plastic and sits in a high-heat area. If you notice oil dripping near the engine block or cylinder head, a cracked or faulty sensor could be to blame.
8. Too Much Oil
Sometimes, the issue isn’t a leak at all but rather an overflow caused by too much oil in the engine.
This can happen if extra oil was added during your last oil change. In this case, a quick wipe down and a dipstick check should reveal if there’s an excess. If so, use a dipstick tube to drain the extra oil, and you should be good to go.
9. Pressure Buildup in the Engine
If there’s too much pressure in the engine, oil can start to escape. The Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve regulates this pressure. If it becomes blocked, it can cause oil leaks as pressure builds up. Checking the PCV valve and surrounding hoses for blockages or leaks is a good place to start.
Not sure if your car is leaking oil? Here are a few signs to watch out for:
5 Signs Your Car Engine is Leaking Oil
1. Puddles Under Your Car
One of the first clues that you have an oil leak is a dark puddle under your vehicle. This spot usually forms near the engine area and can be tricky to trace back to its exact source.
2. Strong Smell of Burning Oil
Sometimes, oil doesn’t drip all the way to the ground but lands on other engine parts instead. When this happens, it can burn as the engine heats up, releasing a sharp, distinct smell. If you notice this odor when your engine reaches its usual temperature, it’s wise to pull over, check your oil level, and see if there’s an underlying issue.
3. Oil with a Strange Appearance
When inspecting your oil, its colour and consistency can reveal a lot.
Typically, oil should look dark brown or black and feel somewhat greasy. If the oil appears milky, foamy, or has a lighter colour, it could indicate a serious issue, like a blown head gasket. Which allows coolant to mix with the oil. Ignoring this can lead to major engine damage, so it’s best to get it checked right away.
4. Low Oil Levels
Regularly checking your oil level can help catch leaks early. Simply locate the dipstick (usually marked with a yellow loop) and pull it out. After wiping it clean, insert it again to see where the oil level sits. If it’s below the minimum mark, your engine may be low on oil due to a leak.
5. Warning Light
Your dashboard’s oil pressure warning light, often resembling an old-fashioned oil can, is another sign that your oil might be leaking. This light indicates low oil pressure, which could be caused by a low oil level due to a leak or a problem with the oil pump.
So, How to Fix an Oil Leak?
Fixing it can be simpler than you think, and many leaks can be handled right in your driveway. All you need are a few essential tools, like:
- car jack
- jack stands
- torque wrench
- replacement parts like a new gasket or oil pan
Let’s explore two main methods to help you solve your oil leak issues.
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Using a Stop-Leak Additive
If the leak is from worn seals or gaskets and isn’t too serious. Try a stop-leak additive. These products help by conditioning rubber seals. Which can prevent small leaks in older vehicles. It’s a quick, temporary fix that may take a few hundred miles of driving to fully seal up.
Just remember, always follow the directions on the additive bottle and wear gloves when handling any automotive fluids.
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Fixing the Leak with Tools and Replacement Parts
If the leak is more significant—could be due to a damaged oil pan, loose bolts, or worn-out gaskets—a hands-on approach is likely required. Here’s how to get started:
1. Prepare Your Tools and Jack Up the Car
First, make sure you have a stable setup. Jack up your car using jack stands or ramps on a flat surface. Gather your torque wrench, socket set, and any replacement parts you may need.
2. Check and Tighten Bolts
Start by inspecting the bolts around the oil pan and other areas like valve covers. These can loosen over time, causing leaks. Carefully tighten them according to your car’s manual specifications to avoid overtightening.
3. Replace Damaged Seals and Gaskets
If tightening doesn’t solve the issue, it’s time to replace the faulty seals or gaskets. This is essential to prevent ongoing leaks and ensure your car runs smoothly.
4. Consider Using Sealants for Minor Leaks
For minor leaks that you want to contain temporarily, you can apply an oil leak sealant. However, remember this is usually a short-term fix and won’t be effective for more severe leaks.
Not every oil leak is a simple fix. If you’re unsure about the extent of the leak, or it’s beyond a DIY repair, Perth Auto Mechanic can help. Our team offers expert car oil leak repair services. We make sure your vehicle is leak-free and running at its best.
Steps that the expert Perth car mechanics follow are:
- Inspecting your vehicle thoroughly
- Fixing The leaking
- Using an stop-leak additive
- Using tools
- Testing the Oil Pan
How to Prevent Oil Leaks? 6 Tips
Avoiding oil leaks isn’t as tricky as it sounds. With a few regular habits, you can keep your engine running smoothly and avoid those pesky leaks. Here’s how:
1. Check Your Oil Levels Regularly
Making it a habit to check your oil levels is one of the easiest ways to catch a leak early. If you’re noticing that you’re always low on oil, it might be time to investigate further.
2. Stay Ahead with Replacements
Don’t wait until something goes wrong to make a fix! Just like replacing a worn-out pair of shoes, car parts like seals and gaskets have a limited lifespan.
3. Stick to Your Car’s Maintenance Schedule
Following the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule is key to keeping your car in top shape. This not only helps catch small issues early but gives you peace of mind.
4. Change Your Oil and Filter on Time
Fresh oil keeps your engine parts well-lubricated. This reduces wear and the chance of leaks. So, don’t skip those scheduled oil changes.
5. Use the Right Oil for Your Car
Using the right type of oil is a must. The wrong oil can strain your engine and even lead to leaks. When in doubt, always check the owner’s manual to be sure you’re using the best oil for your car.
6. Don’t Overfill the Oil
Too much of a good thing can be bad. Even when it’s oil. Overfilling can put pressure on seals and lead to leaks. Stick to the recommended amount to keep things in balance.
Need Car Oil Leak Repair? Perth Auto Mechanic Can Help!
Our skilled car mechanics provide fast, reliable car oil leak repair services to get you back on the road. With advanced diagnostic tools and years of experience, we’ll fix engine oil leaks quickly and at a fair price.
So, don’t let a small leak turn into a major repair.
Book Your Engine Repair Service Now
FAQ’s About Car Leaking Oil
Q1. Can I drive my car with an oil leak?
Driving with an oil leak is not recommended, as it can lead to further damage and even cause engine failure if the oil level becomes too low.
Q2. Why is my car leaking oil when parked?
Here are some of the possible reasons for your oil leak when parked: Damaged gaskets and seals- Within your engine is an oil pan and gaskets that are meant to seal oil within your motor. These can erode from damage over time, especially from rougher road conditions.
Q3. How much does it cost to fix an oil leak?
Engine oil leak repairs cost between $250 and $1,000. The pricing can increase depending on the complexity of the required repairs.
Q4. What is the best way to fix engine oil leaks?
Fixing oil leaks often involves replacing seals or gaskets, tightening components, or using a professional mechanic to handle more complex repairs.
Q5. How long will my car last with an oil leak?
As the oil continues to leak, a low oil level could damage the engine. If you must drive, keep your trips to 10 miles or less. It’s important to make a service appointment as soon as possible if you notice an oil leak so that you can diagnose the issue and get it fixed before the leak causes further damage.