Have you noticed oil stains consistently underneath your vehicle?  Are you replenishing your oil on a regular basis?  If so, you may be experiencing an oil leak.  Oil leaks are a serious matter because they can cause damage to your vehicle’s engine.  In this month’s blog post, we review common causes for an oil leak and what is required to address these issues.

Oil is a crucial fluid that your engine needs to function.  Your vehicle’s motor oil lubricates the engine’s moving parts, reduces friction, handles temperature to avoid overheating, and works to maintain engine performance.

Here are the more common causes of oil leaks, their signs, and repair methods:

• Worn-out Oil Gaskets or Seals: Over time, gaskets and seals can wear out, causing oil to leak. Look for oil stains under your vehicle. Replacement of the faulty gasket or seal is usually required.
• Damaged Oil Pan: The oil pan can get damaged due to road debris. Signs include oil puddles under the car. Repair involves replacing or resealing the oil pan.
• Bad Valve Cover Gaskets: Valve cover gaskets can deteriorate, leading to leaks. Look for oil on the engine. Replacement of the gaskets is the typical repair.
• Faulty Oil Filter: An improperly installed or worn-out oil filter can cause leaks. Signs include oil around the filter. Replacing the filter usually fixes the issue.
• Degraded Oil Filler Cap: A missing, or damaged oil filler cap can lead to leaks. Look for oil on the engine’s top. Replacing the cap is the solution.
• Worn-out Oil Drain Plug: An old or loose oil drain plug can cause leaks. Look for oil under the engine. Tightening or replacing the plug can fix the issue.
• Cracked Engine Block: A cracked engine block can cause severe oil leaks. Signs include oil loss and engine overheating. This often requires a major engine repair or replacement.
• Broken Timing Cover Seal: The timing cover seal can break, causing leaks. Look for oil around the timing cover. Replacement of the seal is usually required.
• Faulty Head Gasket: A blown head gasket can cause oil to leak into the coolant system. Signs include milky coolant. This requires a head gasket replacement.

Remember, regular maintenance can prevent most oil leaks. If you notice any signs of a leak, seek professional help immediately to prevent further damage to your vehicle.  If you would like to have your vehicle inspected for a possible oil leak, contact the service professionals at Geller’s Automotive to schedule an appointment today.