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Published Tue May 14, 2019
It is often said that changing the oil is the single most important thing you can do to take care of your car. Nevertheless, it is something that many automobile owners delay—and the results of procrastination can be dire.
The purpose of oil is to cut down on friction within your engine. When you have high quality, clean oil that is doing its job properly, it means the components of your engine are working well without rubbing together and causing corrosion. Over time, though, oil becomes contaminated and loses its viscosity. In a word, it gets dirty. And when that happens, it loses its ability to prevent friction—which means the components of your engine will literally be wearing each other down, causing erosion and potentially significant mechanical failings.
Common Signs of Oil Leaks
One way to know that you’ve gone far too long without an oil change is that oil is leaking from your engine. One of the most typical signs of oil leak is seeing a puddle of greasy-looking brown liquid under your car, after it has been parked for a while. (By contrast, if the liquid is pink, it’s transmission fluid; if it’s green or orange, it’s coolant.)
However, many vehicles today have shielding underneath, which will most likely catch the oil before it hits the ground. That can hide a potentially major oil leak. In this case, a low oil level indicator will be your sign of leakage.
We Can Fix Engine Oil Leak – Find a Meineke Shop Nearby
An engine covered in oil is also a pretty good sign of leakage. Open your hood every once in a while, and check your vehicle’s fluids. You will be able to notice if the oil is leaking or seeping from several places. Last, but not least, when oil is leaking, it can get in contact with hot engine surfaces, which means it will burn, and you’ll be able to smell it.
But What Causes Oil To Leak, Exactly?
Usually, it is due to degraded engine gaskets or oil seals. Sometimes these components will erode over time, but more likely than not, if you have this kind of leak, it’s because you have old, dirty oil—perhaps because you have not had your oil changed recently enough.
Damaged Oil Gaskets or Pans
Your vehicle’s oil pans and gaskets can easily be damaged by road debris since they are located at the bottom of the engine. Rough roads can lead to a hole which will cause an oil pan leak. The pan’s gasket usually suffers a lot of wear and tear, or it can also get damaged, which leads to an oil gasket leak.
Incorrect Installations
It may happen that one of the gaskets that keep oil inside is Improperly installed. Most commonly, this happens when the oil pan gasket or valve cover gasket are over-tightened. It can also happen when tightness is not evenly distributed. Another reason can be the improper attachment of the oil filter, as the engine oil flows continuously through it, and if it’s loose, you can experience a leak there.
Bad Rings or Valve Seals
Leaking rings or valve seals can also be contributing to your car losing oil. However, if there are no holes in your gaskets, the oil will not make it outside the engine, so you won’t notice it, as it will get burned up in the combustion process.
Regardless of the specific cause, it is urgent to stop an oil leak, so take your vehicle to the Meineke shop immediately. Following the oil leak, you may encounter the smell of burnt oil, followed by blue smoke and ultimately some major damage to your engine. Do not delay in addressing this issue.
Preventing Oil Leaks
How Often to Change Oil
All of this begs the question: How frequently should you change the oil in your car? There is no way to know, through visual inspection, whether your oil needs changing, as pure black oil will take on a brown, “dirty” look almost immediately after it is put into your car.
The simple solution, then, is to change your oil as often as the manufacturer recommends, in order to prevent a major oil leak. The manufacturer’s recommendation is made to keep your car running for a long time; you can find out what this recommendation is by looking in your owner’s manual, visiting the manufacturer website, or calling the service desk at your local dealership. Thankfully, there is no harm in getting your oil changed too frequently—though this can take a toll on your wallet. There is no need to have the oil changed more regularly than what the manufacturer recommends.
Another Tip: Don’t wait until you see signs of oil leak, or the “low oil” light comes on—and if you do see that light come on, make your oil change a top priority. The light almost certainly means that whatever oil is left in your engine has lost its ability to function properly, which means your engine is undergoing a great deal of wear and tear.
How Many Miles Between Oil Changes?
Note that your manufacturer’s recommendation will involve mileage, which is a more reliable gauge than a timeframe. Some auto owners just take their cars in for oil changes every five to six months, but this does not take into account the seasons in which the vehicles are driven more or less than usual.
As for the specific mileage, all cars are different. The standard for older vehicles was often no more than 3,500 miles, but newer cars can often get 7,000 to 10,000 out of a single oil change. Again, the critical thing is to look at your manufacturer recommendation, and not to delay getting oil changed as needed, hopefully before your light comes on or you see oil leaks staining your driveway. To schedule an oil change with the Meineke team, contact our nearest local Meineke Car Care Center at your convenience.
FAQs:
Q: Why does my car leak oil when parked?
A: If you see a puddle of greasy-looking liquid on the ground after your vehicle has been parked for a while, then that means you have an oil pan leak, which usually indicates holes in your car’s oil pan or gaskets. Take your vehicle to a shop straight away.
Q: How much does it cost to fix an oil leak?
A: The cost will depend on whether it’s a major or minor oil leak, as different solutions are available for the fix. It also depends on the type of vehicle, the engine, and the location of the leak.
Q: Do I need an oil change if my car leaks oil?
Simply changing the oil will not fix the leak. First, you’ll have to identify the cause of the leak, conduct the necessary repairs, and then, depending on how much oil you’ve lost, either top it off or have it changed.
Q: Can I still drive with an oil leak?
A: It’s always advisable not to drive if your vehicle has an oil leak, but short distance drives, less than 10 miles, are not as risky when it comes to lowering your oil levels to a dangerous point.
Q: Is an oil leak serious?
A: The severity of a vehicle’s oil leak depends on several factors, such as the location of the leak and its size. Obviously, a major oil leak will lower your oil levels faster, and lead to other, more serious problems. For small leaks, the location matters the most, as a leak from the front crank seal or the timing cover will shorten the life of the timing belt or engine drive belts, while a valve cover gasket leak will get oil on the hot exhaust manifold, potentially causing smoke or even fire.
Q: How do I stop an oil leak?
Although there are several products on the market targeting DIY leak stops, the best course of action would be taking your car to a shop, because properly identifying the underlying cause is crucial.
FAQs
Common Signs and Causes of Oil Leaks in Cars | Meineke? ›
Most commonly, this happens when the oil pan gasket or valve cover gasket are over-tightened. It can also happen when tightness is not evenly distributed. Another reason can be the improper attachment of the oil filter, as the engine oil flows continuously through it, and if it's loose, you can experience a leak there.
What is the most common cause of oil leaks? ›Cracked Gasket: The Core Culprit in Most Engine Oil Leaks
More often than not, a sudden oil leak after oil change is caused by a malformed or cracked gasket. Gaskets are usually made of urethane or rubber, and they can harden over time.
Light brown to black: Engine oil
If you see a spot that is amber to dark brown or black in color, it's likely motor oil, says Cars.com. Oil that is older will likely look dark brown or black, says Angie's List — adding that you'll typically notice oil leaks directly under where the engine was.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix The Leak? As motor oil leakage is a serious issue, the service price is around $85-$155, but can increase depending on what's wrong. Plus, there's an added labor cost between $70 and $1120.
Where is the most common engine oil leak? ›Engine Gasket
This is the number one area where oil leaks can develop and, we won't lie, it's devastating. There is a long seal between your cylinder heads, oil pan, and the engine block, and if this seal breaks, oil can leak into the cylinders and damage your engine.
Q: Can I still drive with an oil leak? A: It's always advisable not to drive if your vehicle has an oil leak, but short distance drives, less than 10 miles, are not as risky when it comes to lowering your oil levels to a dangerous point.
How do I know if my oil pan gasket is leaking? ›- The low oil warning light comes on. If the low oil warning light illuminates on your dashboard, don't ignore it! ...
- You see a puddle of oil under your car. ...
- Your oil level has dropped unexpectedly. ...
- Your engine is overheating. ...
- You notice a burning smell coming from the engine.
- Oil Drain Plug. A damaged or worn-out drain plug can cause an oil leak. ...
- Oil Filler Cap. ...
- Valve Gasket. ...
- Too Much Oil. ...
- Crankcase Ventilation. ...
- Damaged Head Gasket. ...
- Crankshaft or Camshaft Seals. ...
- Leaking Oil Cooler.
Depending on the type of vehicle you have, the engine that is in it and the location of the oil leak, repair costs can range from as little as $150 to as much as $1200. The good news is there is often another solution to repair your engine oil leak.
Are oil leaks easy to fix? ›While there are some oil leaks that can only be fixed by expensive repairs, most can be done in your garage or driveway rather inexpensively. The only thing you will need is a car jack, jack stands, torque wrench, and some special additives or replacement parts (something like a new oil pan).
What is considered a major oil leak? ›
The most critical engine oil leaks are those that starve your engine of oil. If you see a large puddle on the ground, don't try starting your engine. You may not have enough oil left to lubricate your engine and can cause permanent damage that can only be repaired by an engine rebuild or replacement.
Why is my car leaking oil when parked? ›What does it mean when your car is leaking oil when parked? Oil leaks manifest in many different ways, but if your car is leaking oil when parked, the vast majority of leaks are due to degraded engine gaskets, oil pan leaks, or bad oil seals and connections. Your car's oil pan is attached to the bottom of your engine.
How much does it cost to replace an oil gasket? ›The average cost for oil pan gasket replacement is $933 to $1037. Enter your vehicle's information to see how much oil pan gasket replacement costs in your local area.
Does insurance cover oil leak repair? ›The National Association of Insurance Commissioners says that maintenance, such as an oil change, is typically not included in car insurance coverage. Whether it's routine maintenance, a mechanical failure or a blown engine, car insurance will most likely not cover the costs of repairing or replacing your vehicle.
Does insurance cover oil leaks? ›A: Oil tank spills from corrosion or rust are not covered by homeowners' insurance. However, if there was a fire on the property that damaged the oil tank, the damage from the spill would be covered. In that situation, the fire is the covered peril and would encompass any oil damage. Q: What is oil tank insurance?
How many miles can you drive with an oil leak? ›An oil leak can be a sign of a more serious issue, so if you notice oil leaking from the engine, it's best not to drive the car. As the oil continues to leak, a low oil level could damage the engine. If you must drive, keep your trips to 10 miles or less.
Can an oil leak destroy an engine? ›Engine oil leaks are one of the most common causes of engine damage. They cause rapid deterioration of the engine and result in expensive repairs. Worse yet, engine oil leaks pose a safety threat. They may lead to the loss of control of the vehicle while driving.
How long does an oil leak take to fix? ›How long will it take to fix an oil leak? Depending on the mechanic, fixing the oil pan gasket can take between 1-2 hours. It may take around six hours if you're trying to fix it yourself.
How do you temporarily fix an oil leak? ›- Waterproof, heat resistant tape: okay, duct tape. ...
- High temperature silicone sealant: this stuff works wonders as a temporary repair, although I've never tried it with an oil pan crack before. ...
- Solder: If it's a small leak solder may patch it up temporarily.
Black Smoke – The most common sign that the oil pan gasket has failed is black smoke coming from under the hood. The smoke produced is a result of oil dripping onto the exhaust manifold.
Can a bad oil filter cause a leak? ›
A loose or malfunctioning oil filter is another common car oil leak cause. This could be as simple as the filter not being correctly tightened or that filter is clogged and needs to be replaced. Also, not using the correct filter size can eventually cause an oil leak.
Why is my car losing oil but no leak or smoke? ›If your engine is low on oil but there isn't a leak, that means it's probably being burned inside the engine. A bad PCV valve is a frequent culprit in the case of burning oil--but what is it, exactly? A PCV valve is designed to let air escape when the pressure in the crankcase is too high.
Can high mileage oil fix oil leak? ›High mileage oils contain additives and seal enhancers that reduce leaks (both internal and external). It's possible that after an oil change or two, the leaking could stop. This has the potential to reduce oil spots in your driveway and on burning oil in older engines.
Will oil leak if you have a blown head gasket? ›Telltale Leaks
In the case of a blown head, external oil or coolant will leak out from the seams between the engine block and the cylinder head. These leaks are a sign of head gasket failure and a good sign you need to have any potential cracks and cylinder head twists looked at, immediately.
Water in your oil will allow your bearings to rust and wear out very quickly. If your head gasket leak has caused this problem you are almost always better off replacing the whole engine as a new head gasket will stop the leak but bearing damage has probably already been done.
Is it cheaper to replace engine or head gasket? ›When you compare the basic services, repairing a blown head gasket is always the least expensive initial repair. The problem is that most of the time, when a head gasket is damaged, other components like the cylinder head itself, pistons, and cylinder head hardware are often damaged as well.
How much does it cost to fix an oil gasket leak? ›The average cost of replacing an oil pan gasket is roughly between $400 and $500, according to RepairPal. The cost of labor is projected to be a majority of the cost between $300 and $400, with parts costing about $120. This range excludes taxes, fees, and your car and geographic region.
Why are oil leaks so expensive to fix? ›The high rate is due to the many different sources of an oil leak and the location of the leak. Also, the type of car you drive has an important impact on engine oil leak repair costs. Labor costs will be additional, and various little seals on top can cost anywhere between $10 and $30.
Why is my car leaking oil when parked and running? ›So, if you primarily notice your car leaking oil when parked and running, it might be due to a worn-out rear main seal. Though it may be tempting to top off your oil and keep driving, faulty rear main seals should be replaced as soon as possible, as they can experience failure and rapidly leak oil.
When should I be concerned about oil leaks? ›The most critical engine oil leaks are those that starve your engine of oil. If you see a large puddle on the ground, don't try starting your engine. You may not have enough oil left to lubricate your engine and can cause permanent damage that can only be repaired by an engine rebuild or replacement.
Does leaking oil mean blown head gasket? ›
Oil leak to outside of engine: Oil leaking down the side of your engine likely means the head gasket has blown between an oil gallery and the outside of the engine. Even though this type of head gasket failure isn't as immediately severe as others, you should still look into repairs before it gets worse.
Does insurance cover oil spills? ›A: Oil tank spills from corrosion or rust are not covered by homeowners' insurance. However, if there was a fire on the property that damaged the oil tank, the damage from the spill would be covered. In that situation, the fire is the covered peril and would encompass any oil damage.
Does high mileage oil help with oil leaks? ›Gaskets, seals, and non-metal parts wear out as the engine ages. High mileage oils contain chemicals that promote flexibility and form in these areas. In the long run, this can help with oil leaks. High mileage oils are made for engines that have exceeded their warranty mileage.
Will high mileage oil stop leaks? ›High mileage oils contain additives and seal enhancers that reduce leaks (both internal and external). It's possible that after an oil change or two, the leaking could stop. This has the potential to reduce oil spots in your driveway and on burning oil in older engines.
Will stop leak fix an oil leak? ›Do Stop Oil Leak Products Work? Yes, they do, and it's easy to see why our Stop Oil Leak Products are so popular. They're the fast and affordable solution for engine oil leaks.