People often buy new cars to avoid potential problems. But as mechanics, we know problems can arise quicker than you think. 

Think about your daily drive. Chances are in the past few weeks, you’ve:

• Slammed on the brakes
• Hit the accelerator to speed past a car
• Hit a pothole
• Taken a speed bump a little too fast

It’s called driving. We take each day’s challenges as they present themselves. And for your car, it can cause wear and tear to all of the thousands of parts. 

What’s the most important part of any car? While you could make a good argument for many of the parts, we feel the engine is close to the top. Without the engine, you won’t go. 

The engine is the heart of what makes your vehicle operate. And it can be impacted by every step you take throughout your days and nights. 

It’s an Engine Oil Leak – How Do You Know?

Chances are you’ve taken a peek at engine oil before, even if you’ve never changed the oil yourself. Open a can, and you’ll see it’s typically an amber to light brown color, and has a slick texture. This makes it easy to identify. 

Most people notice oil leaks by a simple visual inspection. This is where it benefits you to develop a routine. When you park in a garage or driveway, pay attention to what happens underneath the vehicle. Look for puddles as you drive away. You can also pop the hood and look at the engine block, especially around seals or on the oil pan. 

If your car is leaking oil rapidly, you’ll notice the puddles. Slow leaks are harder to see. But you can notice it if your motor oil decreases rapidly, and you have to top off the oil without seeing noticeable puddles under the car. 

What’s that smell? A burning oil smell often indicates oil leaking onto hot engine components like the exhaust manifold. 

Or maybe your car starts smoking. A bluish smoke from the exhaust could indicate oil is legging into the combustion chamber, often due to worn piston rings or valve seals. White smoke from under the hood could indicate oil burning off a hot surface. 

And then there’s the dashboard icon “oil pressure” light. If it turns on, it’s telling you your car is experiencing a significant loss of oil. When was your last oil change? If it was recently, it could be an oil leak. 

Engine Oil Leaks – Where Do They Come From?

The good thing about car maintenance is it’s predictable. When you notice an issue, it leads to a problem. It can be tricky with some symptoms – they can signal multiple problems. But a well-trained mechanic knows how to ask the right questions and can quickly get to the root of the problem. 

What produces an engine oil leak? It could be:

Valve cover gasket

This component sits on top of the engine, sealing the valve cover to the cylinder head. Over time, this gasket can become brittle or cracked, which allows oil to seep out. When this happens, you’ll usually see oil pooling on top of the engine or dripping down its sides. 

Oil pan gasket

This part seals the oil pan to the bottom of the engine. A lot of things can happen to it as it sits closer to the road. Damage from road debris, overtightened bolts, or natural wear and tear can all impact it over time. If you notice oil underneath your car after parking for a while, it’s a sign of an oil pan leak. 

Front and rear seals

The front seal is at the front of the crankshaft near the timing cover, and the rear main seal is at the back of the crankshaft between the engine and transmission. Over time, they wear out. If your vehicle is high mileage and you haven’t replaced them in the past, it could be the seals. You’ll most likely notice it by finding oil dripping near the front of the engine or between the engine and transmission.  

Oil filter

The oil filter is typically screwed onto the engine block. It’s commonly replaced when you bring your car in for an oil change. Sometimes it’s improperly installed, or the threads are damaged when it’s put back into place. If it hasn’t been changed in a while, it could have a worn-out seal. If you see oil leaking from the filter area after a recent oil change, it could need adjustment or replacement. 

Oil drain plug

Wouldn’t it be nice if every maintenance item was accomplished with precision? If you’ve owned a car for years, you know a lot goes into repair. Sometimes mechanics are rushed. And let’s face it – not all repair shops are reputable. At the bottom of the oil pan is a drain plug used for draining oil during a change. If it’s improperly sealed, or has a worn or damaged washer, it might not fit perfectly back into place. This means oil could be dripping from the bottom of the oil pan. 

Timing cover gasket

Your car has a timing chain or belt cover located at the front of the engine. Sometimes the seals wear down from excessive engine heat breaking down the gasket material. When this happens, oil leaks at the front of the engine. 

Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) System

There are a lot of parts in today’s car engines. Take a look, and you’ll find hoses and valves connected to the engine to manage all sorts of processes, including internal pressure. The PCV system can get clogged or malfunction, which creates excessive pressure, forcing oil out through weak seals. You’ll notice it if an oil leak is accompanied by increased engine pressure, or you can visibly see oil around the valve area. 

Fixing Oil Leaks

Now that you know more about engine oil leaks, there are two things you can do to protect your car from future problems:

1. Perform a visual check periodically to ensure nothing looks out of place, worn down, or broken. Awareness is the first step in good maintenance. 

2. Keep up with regular maintenance. A well-maintained car is less likely to have problems over time because you fix and repair things before they grow in significance. 

When you notice an oil leak – no matter where it is – fixing it prevents future problems. It:

• Prevents engine damage
• Avoided bigger repairs
• Ensures safety
• Reduces environmental impact

Regular maintenance and inspections are your best defense against leaks. During oil changes, have your mechanic inspect common leak areas and keep your car’s seals and gaskets in good condition. 

That’s one of the best reasons to use a reputable mechanic. Get to know our service today.