An oil leak is one of the most common issues drivers face, but it’s not something to ignore — in fact, it’s a sign that something in your vehicle needs attention. Here are some of the most common reasons your car may be leaking oil and how to correct them.
A Bad Gasket
Your gaskets act as seals that keep your oil contained in your engine. So if any gasket has worn out, you may experience an oil leak. Gaskets become worn due to heat and pressure from the engine, so they need to be replaced over time. Check your oil pan gasket, valve cover gasket, and cylinder head gasket, or simply bring your car to Pearson Auto for our mechanics to inspect.
Damaged Oil Pan
Your oil pan sits in the bottom of your engine and holds the oil your engine needs. Road debris can cause cracks or leaks in the oil pan, leading to leaks or even big oil puddles. In this case, you should have the oil pan replaced. The oil pan may also have become loose and simply need to be tightened.
Oil Filter Problems
The oil filter traps contaminants and keeps your oil clean, but if it’s not properly installed, it can cause leaks. Oil filters can also become clogged or damaged over time. To avoid this issue, make sure you replace your oil filter with every oil change.
Overfilled Oil
If you add too much oil to your engine, it can create excess pressure that makes the seals and gaskets fail. This results in an oil leak. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommended oil levels to avoid this problem.
Loose Drain Plug
After an oil change, it’s important to be sure that your drain plug is tightly secured. If it’s loose, you could experience an oil leak. Thankfully, this is an easy fix — just tighten the drain plug!
Diagnosing Oil Leaks
Not sure what’s causing your oil leak? Bring your vehicle to Pearson Auto today. Our expert mechanics can find and fix your problem. Make an appointment today!