Finding fluid under your vehicle can send many car owners into a panic. However, some puddles prove harmless, like water dripping from your air conditioning unit. Others, like a black oil puddle, can be more serious. If you’re wondering why is my car leaking oil, bring it to the experts at Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville.
Why Is My Car Leaking Oil – Most Common Reasons
Unfortunately, oil leaks are a common occurrence in automobiles, especially as your car ages. More than likely, you’ll experience one at some point in your vehicle ownership. The difficulty with fixing oil leaks is that they can occur in different places:
Seals And Gaskets
Car engines contain components made from plastic and metal that meet and connect. Generally, these parts are rigid and leave tiny gaps. To prevent fluid from leaking from these tiny openings, automakers use seals and gaskets.
Manufacturers make seals and gaskets from flexible materials so that they deform under compression. As they become compressed, they fill microscopic gaps to create a leak-proof barrier.
Depending on their application, manufacturers may use one of 3 common materials:
Each material has varying resistance against high temperature, chemical exposure, and durability. However, all materials will eventually deteriorate. Hence, a fairly common answer to the question, why is my car leaking oil, could be bad seals or gaskets.
Oil Filter
The two most popular types of car oil filters used by automakers are the spin-on and cartridge filters. Manufacturers include the housing with spin-ons, but a cartridge consists solely of the filter element and gaskets. The installation of each presents opportunities for mistakes leading to leaks:
- Cross threading
- Gasket or O-ring left on the engine block
- Installing the spin-off or cartridge housing too loosely/tightly
- Failure to lubricate the gasket or O-ring
- Forgetting to replace the O-ring on a cartridge filter
Oil Pan
Due to its location underneath the car, the oil pan is subject to damage from road debris. Driving over tree branches or rocks can damage the pan, causing a leak. Additionally, the pan contains a gasket that will wear out.
Drain Plug
The drain plug seals the oil in until it’s time to change the fluid. Yet, continually removing and reinstalling it can cause the threads on the bolt to become damaged. Once they do, they can’t form a good seal, and leaking can occur.
Overtightening the plug is the most common cause of stripping the threads. This is especially true when you have a steel oil pan and a plug made from a softer material. Admittedly, an aluminum pan can also get damaged threads. However, it’ll be the inside of the pan that needs repairing, not the plug.
What To Do When You Discover An Oil Leak In Your Car
Like other vital car systems, you need to fix an oil leak as soon as possible. Nevertheless, before you begin a course of action, ask yourself these questions:
Which fluid is leaking?
Your automobile has several different fluids to help it run efficiently, and sometimes your AC will drip water. Thus, the first step is to determine if the leaking fluid is oil. Engine oil will be brown or black with a greasy appearance.
How much oil have I lost?
Before you try to drive to your mechanic, check your oil levels using your dipstick. If you’re low, add enough oil to register on the correct level.
Do I need to repair a leak right away?
While it is possible to drive with an oil leak, do so sparingly. Often, a small leak can quickly become a larger leak, leaving your engine starved for lubricant. Plus, engine oil is a pollutant that’s toxic to humans, wildlife, and plants.
FAQs About Oil Leaks
Trying to discover the source of your oil leak can be challenging. Instead, bring your automobile to the experts at Xpress Lube. Below, we answer a few questions related to oil leaks.
How Expensive Is It To Fix An Oil Leak?
Generally, the cost of fixing oil leaks depends on the source of the leak. For example, tightening loose oil pan bolts is relatively inexpensive. However, a crankshaft seal can be costly.
Is It Safe To Use A Stop Leak Product?
Manufacturers create oil leak sealer products based on the belief that failing gaskets and seals cause most oil leaks. Thus, these products contain additives that cause the swelling and softening of these parts.
Most leaks are indeed the result of failing seals and gaskets. However, other issues can also cause oil to seep out of the engine. Moreover, a stop-leak product is only a temporary solution to a problem that requires a professional repair.
What Do Customers Say About Xpress Lube?
An auto shop is only as good as its reputation and what customers think of the service. Here’s what a few of them have to say about us:
Mac was awesome. another place quoted my dad $12000 to fix his car. My dad took it here and the true fix was only $149. Very professional. – Rob H. Lincolnton
I have come to see Mac since I first started driving and they always are quick and do a great job with oil changes and inspections, tire rotations, etc. They even go above and beyond by topping off fluids and vacuuming and other small tasks during your visit which is much appreciated! Definitely recommend. – Logan P. Winston Salem
Why is my car leaking oil should be a question answered by professionals. Call Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville at 336-904-6319 for high-quality service.
