If you’re a car owner, the risk of developing an oil leak increases with age. Old seals and gaskets are more likely to fail. As these components become damaged, they can allow oil to seep out.  When you find oil leaking from your car, bring your vehicle to the experts, Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville.

Signs You Have An Engine Oil Leak

Oil leaks are serious. A leak means you have less than optimal oil in the engine, and it’s operating with increased friction and heat. This can lead to poor performance, greater wear and tear on parts, or overheating. Often, you’ll know you have an oil leak by one of these signs:

• Dark droplets or puddles underneath your car
• Bad, acrid smell
• Smoke from under the hood or exhaust
• Overheating engine
• Illuminated dashboard indicator light
• Oil dipstick measures low

Sometimes, leaking oil is easy to detect. Perhaps you have dark stains in your garage or driveway.  Maybe the engine smells bad when you drive it, or it runs hot.

Other times, you may have a slow leak and be unaware of it until your dashboard indicator light illuminates. Unfortunately, when this happens, you could be very low on oil.

Typically, this means you could be between 1 and 2 quarts low on motor oil. While this may not seem terrible, consider that passenger cars require between 4-6 quarts. Therefore, your engine may be running with 15 – 25% less oil than it needs.

Ideally, you should get into the habit of regularly checking your engine oil with your dipstick. Most experts recommend doing this approximately every month or 1,000 miles,

Steps To Take When You Have Oil Leaking From Your Car

Sometimes, you may discover you have an engine oil leak after your car has been sitting. Other times, you may realize you’re having a problem as you’re driving. If you’re on the road, pull over as soon as it’s safe to do so. Let the engine cool for a few minutes before popping the hood.

First, examine both the engine and underneath the car for any signs of motor oil. If you see signs of a severe oil leak, it’s critical that you don’t drive any further.

Sometimes, the leak is a slow one, and you won’t see any leaks. Then, it’s time to check your oil level using your engine dipstick. If you have a slightly lower-than-normal reading, you can probably add oil and drive a short distance safely. As you drive, be vigilant for any new warnings or signs of overheating.

FAQs About Engine Oil Leaks And Xpress Lube

It’s never a good idea to drive with low oil levels. If you suspect you have oil leaking from your car, don’t wait. Take it to your local auto repair shop as soon as possible. Below, we answer a few questions about engine oil and Xpress Lube.

How Much Will An Oil Leak Repair Cost?

Usually, a mechanic will need to inspect your car before quoting a price. This is because some repairs are more difficult and time-consuming than others. New parts also have different price structures. For example, to replace the crankshaft seal, you must remove both the exhaust and the transmission.

When you bring your car to us, we’ll listen to your concerns and then examine your vehicle. Next, we’ll explain the problem and present you with a clear and detailed estimate of your oil leak repair cost before we begin your repairs.

Is There Maintenance I Can Do To Avoid Leaks?

Unfortunately, many people routinely delay their oil change without thinking of the consequences. Of course, you probably won’t experience immediate disastrous damage by putting this maintenance off by a week or two. However, old oil can cause serious injury to seals and gaskets, shortening their lifespans.

First, dirt and contaminants in dirty motor oil are abrasive and damaging to seals and gaskets. Furthermore, old oil can’t remove heat as effectively as fresh engine oil. With the engine running at above normal operating temperatures, seals and gaskets begin to deteriorate and fail. Finally, you can have your mechanic look over your engine for potential issues during routine maintenance.

How Do I Know Which Engine Fluid Is Leaking?

Your car has many different fluids circulating through its systems. How can you tell which fluid your vehicle is leaking? Often, the fluid’s color can help narrow down your problem:

• Clear – water condensation from air conditioning
• Brown or black – engine oil
• Pink or Red – transmission fluid
• Amber or light brown – brake fluid
• Green, red, orange, or blue – coolant
• Red – power steering fluid

With some fluids having similar colors, it’s always best to have a professional examine your leak for the proper diagnosis.

What Services Does Xpress Lube Offer?

Usually, you’ll find several auto repair shops to help when you think you have oil leaking from your car. Jiffy Lube, Grease Monkey, or Firestone Complete Auto Care are just a few of the more common ones.

However, Havoline® Xpress Service of Kernersville has been a standout for over 25 years. During this time, we’ve always served the community with helpful, engaging, and friction-free experiences.  Plus, we offer comprehensive services:

• Tire rotation and balancing
• Wheel alignment
• Brake services
• Wiper blade replacement
• Battery check
• Fluid inspection
• Car wash
• And more!

You should never ignore an engine oil leak, as you can cause serious engine damage. Why not call Xpress Lube today at 336-904-6319 for quality repairs and great service?