Oil leaks in your car can be very frustrating, especially if you’re unsure what to do about them. However, there are several common causes of oil leaks, and knowing them can help you pinpoint and solve the problem faster. This blog post will go over three of the most common causes of oil leaks in cars, so you can avoid them or fix them as quickly as possible.
Worn out Valve Cover Gasket
A worn-out valve cover gasket is one of the most common causes of oil leaks. Valve cover gasket leaks can be challenging to detect, but a telltale sign is the smell of burning oil when the engine is running. In addition, valve cover gasket leaks can run off towards the rear of the engine and look like other common leak spots, making diagnosis more difficult.
Oil Filter and Drain Plug
Another common cause of oil leaks is improperly tightened or malfunctioning oil filters and drain plugs. If the oil filter is not installed correctly or if the gasket is not changed, oil can leak from the filter. Also, the drain plug gasket can become worn over time and allow oil to leak. Consult your owner’s manual to see if the manufacturer recommends changing the drain plug gasket with each oil change. In addition, another common area of oil leaks is the oil filler cap. Oil can leak during everyday driving if the cap is not secured correctly. Also, this cap can become warped or damaged over time and lose its ability to create a seal.
Oil Pan Leak
Another common source of oil leaks is a car’s oil pan. The oil pan holds oil that is not being circulated through the engine. The oil pan has a gasket that creates a seal to prevent leaks from where it connects to the engine. However, this gasket can become worn over time and leak, or damage to the oil pan itself can cause oil to leak out.
The cause of an oil leak can be challenging to determine because oil can leak from several places in your car. However, you should not have to add oil to your engine between oil changes, and if you do, you have an oil leak. It’s important to get oil leaks repaired as soon as possible because you risk damaging your car’s engine by running it low on oil. As always, consult your auto care professional for help solving your oil leak problems.