Car Oil Leaks: Its Causes and How to Spot Them

Car oil leaks are a regular occurrence; they happen frequently. Every automobile owner has to deal with unforeseen oil spills and smears. Nevertheless, your vehicle cannot afford for you to overlook an oil leak. Finding out what causes engine oil leaks doesn't always require the expertise of a qualified mechanic. Simply said, don't put off doing some research because doing so might harm your engine. 

Unchecked leaks could get into rubber hoses or seals and hasten their deterioration. Your driveway might even get unsightly stains from oil leaks, which are also dangerous for the environment. And even worse, engine oil leaks pose a fire danger in your engine compartment and can lead to catastrophic engine failure. Therefore, stopping oil leaks should be your primary concern.

Typical Reasons Why Oils Leak in Cars

There are several causes of oil leaks in vehicles. Most leaks are brought by worn-out engine gaskets, leaking oil pans, faulty oil seals, or faulty linkages. Or perhaps there was some damage to your car. The following can result in an oil leak depending on the extent of the oil spill.

• Faulty oil filters - From engine oil, contaminants are removed by a filter. By maintaining its cleanliness, the oil prevents wear and clogging inside the engine. However, if the oil is not changed, an oil filter becomes blocked. Oil leaks might occur if the oil filter bursts as the pressure increases. If the wrong oil filter is used or if the filter is fitted loosely, oil leaks from the oil filter may also occur.
• Defective filler cap - The oil tank's filling cap eventually becomes loose or cracks. Luckily, it's simple to identify this issue. You will notice an oil puddle around the engine or under your car. You only need to tighten the oil cap if it is loose. Change it out with a new filler cap if it won't tighten down correctly. You can do that quick repair all by yourself.
• Faulty oil pan gasket - The oil pan gasket is one of the most typical places for an oil leak. The oil pan gasket, as its name suggests, acts as a cover between the oil pan and engine block. Oil leakage from the gasket may be a sign that it needs to be changed.
• Deteriorated valve cover gasket - A rubber gasket known as a valve cover gasket is used to seal the valve cover and the top of the engine's cylinder head. Due to heat and pressure, a gasket becomes harder over time and begins to crack. If the oil pressure increases, this results in abrupt, unexpected leaks. Oil leaks can start a fire or produce fumes if they are not repaired because of the heat they generate.
• Too much engine oil - Oil leaks are a typical sign of too much engine oil. Blue exhaust smoke, a potent burning odor, and a high reading on your oil pressure monitor are often what comes next. Using a dipstick tube, check the engine oil level. Call a professional to do a new oil change to eliminate extra engine oil.
• Crankshaft seals - An internal engine part called the crankshaft extends only a little bit from the engine's ends. At both ends of the crankshaft are seals that keep oil from escaping the engine. These are frequently referred to as the front and back main seals. Oil may begin to build up on the engine's bottom if a slight crankshaft seal leak is present. But if it's a significant leak, there can be an obvious oil leak in the engine's front.
• Unstable drain plug - Engine oil is drained via plugs called drain plugs. It is affixed to the oil pan and is located underneath the car. It's impossible to miss if you're looking from under the automobile. A loose drain plug might result in oil leaks since all of the engine oil collects in the oil pan. Oil stains would be present around and underneath an oil-leaking drain plug. It is particularly important to check your drain plug if you have had your oil changed.

How to Recognize an Oil Leak?

Cars with oil leaks exhibit a few clear-cut symptoms. A quick scan of the area will disclose the signs, which may include: 

• Check engine oil light is on - Another indication of an oil leak is if your dashboard's check engine oil light is on. It is the ideal indication for oil leaks since it is made to only light up when the oil level is too low. If the light comes on while you are driving, you need to stop and check your car. Look for oil spills if it lights up when you switch on your automobile.
• The smell of burning oil - Other engine components may be damaged by oil that leaks from the valve cover. Furthermore, they smell like burning oil when driving since they are quite hot. Any bad smells you may smell are apparently coming from burning oil beneath your hood.
• Oil spills - The most visible sign of an oil leak is an oil spill. If your car is leaking, it will cause spills or splashes to appear underneath it. You could very well notice a few droplets or a small puddle, depending on how severe the leak is. Whichever it is, an oil puddle just beneath your automobile indicates that there is an oil leak in the engine. And you ought to have it examined right away.
• Engine overheating - Engine oil serves as a coolant in addition to a lubricant and a filter. As it circulates through the different parts, it cools the engine. The oil level falls when there is an oil leak, and the cooling effect also goes down. Overheating of the engine may result from this.
• Exhaust from the engine - Several factors, such as a broken cooling system, electrical issues, or fluid leaks, might result in smoke emanating from the engine. When they spill over a hot engine part, transmission fluid, braking fluid, or engine oil might smoke. Pull over where it is safe to do so if your engine starts to smoke. Immediately after stopping the engine, leave it to cool. Then lift the hood to reveal the issue.

Any leak should be fixed right away, but engine oil leaks require special attention. The best way to solve complex oil leak concerns, such as a broken oil pan or valve cover seals, is at a repair shop. Never overlook an engine oil leak or expect that it will go away on its own. As with any auto issue, if you are unsure of what to do, seek the advice of a qualified mechanic. Take initiative. Maintaining the performance of your car will allow you to keep it on the road where it belongs. Need to change your oil in Chandler, Gilbert, or Mesa? Call (480) 892-4130 to get the best oil change service in Arizona!