Your car’s fluids play a key role in ensuring that your car runs smoothly and safely on the road. If you notice brown or yellow liquid spots underneath your vehicle after parking, this is a good indication that there is some car fluid leaking. You may also notice smoke coming from underneath the hood of your car or an unusual smell of burning oil.
So, what causes engine oil leaks? And how fast do you need to get them fixed?
Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about engine oil leaks:
What Causes Oil Leaks?
Oil leaks are challenging because it can be difficult to pinpoint where the leak is coming from. There are also quite a few reasons as to why you may be experiencing an oil leak.
Bad Oil Filter
Your oil filters are responsible for removing contaminants in your oil before they can cause damage to your engine. Over time, your oil filters will eventually wear out and need to be replaced. Most filters last for about 3-months before you need a replacement. When it comes time to replace your oil filter, don’t forget to make it a priority. If you ignore your worn-out filter, it can lead to an oil leak.
Loose or Broken Filler Cap
Some causes of oil leaks are simpler than others. For example, many people experience oil leaks resulting from a loose or broken oil filler cap. If your cap is missing, loose, or broken, then the engine’s pressure may cause the oil to spill out of your vehicle when it’s running. This type of oil leak is easy to detect and a simpler fix than other oil leaks.
The Oil Drain Plug
Is your car still leaking oil after your oil change? Well, there’s a pretty good chance that you have a worn or misaligned drain plug. Your drain plug is located at the bottom of your oil pan and is accessible from your car’s underside. If the oil drain plug is worn or inserted incorrectly after an oil change, you may experience dripping.
Check Your Valve Gasket
Believe it or not, your valve gasket is one of the most common causes of oil leaks in cars, especially older vehicles. Your gasket is the seal that joins the head of two metal parts of the engine. The seal that it creates allows the transfer of fluids without them leaking into areas of the car where they don’t belong.
Like other parts of your car, your gasket will begin to degrade over time, and your seals will start to weaken. Typically, your gasket will hold up for 100,000 miles before you start having troubles.
If you discover damage to your gasket, you should handle them immediately.
A Cracked Engine Block
If you notice a large amount of oil leaking from underneath your car, it is likely a result of a cracked engine block. If your engine block cracks, the repairs to cost it can be significant.
Why Is It Important to Fix Your Engine Oil Leak?
If you notice oil leaking from your car, and you leave it unresolved, it can cause a lot of damage to your engine. The best way to avoid the significant problems that follow an oil leak is to take your car for regular inspections, stay on top of your oil changes, and ensure that your car gets serviced when necessary.
At AV Bumper to Bumper were here to help you! Stop by our shop or give us a call at 661-949-1999 today to learn more about our services and tips to help keep your car in the best shape!
