There are a number of different reasons behind what can cause oil to leak in cars, such as worn-out engine gaskets, cracked oil pans, or faulty oil seals that will cause the oil to leak out from the engine of a car.
In the vehicle, several years of operation can cause seals to become brittle, resulting in failure. Further, seals can be damaged or worn out when oil filters are loose or incorrectly fitted.
This article will find out the causes and solutions of oil leaks in your vehicle.
Topic Summary
What Can Cause Oil To Leak and Solutions?
We’ll take a look at some of the common reasons why cars can suffer oil leaks, which could spell the difference between an easy or expensive repair project.
When oil from your engine starts to drip or leak, it’s usually due to a lack of adequate lubrication between the moving parts of the vehicle.
Not only will the engine’s excess heat affect how smoothly it operates, but it can also lead to serious damage if the issue goes unrepaired long enough.
To learn more about what causes oil leaks from your car, read through the guide below.
1. Worn or Damaged Oil Filter
The oil filter maintains the engine oil’s purity by catching contaminants and debris. Over time, the filter can become worn out or even clog, which can cause the oil to leak around the filter seal.
Solution
Change the oil filter on a regular basis in accordance with the vehicle’s upkeep schedule. If the filter is injured or incorrectly mounted, modify it and ensure it’s tightly secured to the producer’s specs.
2. Loose or Damaged Oil Pan Drain Plug
The oil pan drain plug is used to drain the old oil in the oil pan with every oil change. The drain plug is tightened by turning clockwise.
But if it gets loose or the gasket breaks, the oil will drip out from the bottom of the engine.
Solution
After every oil change, check that the drain plug has been sealed tightly. If the plug or its gasket is damaged or missing, replace it with a new one.
3. Worn Out or Cracked Gaskets
Gaskets are used all around your engine to seal surfaces between metal components and keep oil in.
With time, these gaskets can wear out, crack, or shrink, allowing oil to leak. Such areas may include the valve cover, oil pan, and timing cover area.
These seals wear down with use and can crack and shrink over time. They generally fail at the valve cover, the oil pan, or the timing cover.
Solution
Upon smoking out a suspect gasket, have it inspected by a mechanic and then replaced as needed. This can be a tricky job, depending on the gasket’s location in the engine.
4. Faulty Oil Pan
The oil pan lays at the base of the engine and keeps the oil that’s not in circulation. When the oil pan is damaged by debris on the road or rust, it leads to a leak of oil.
Solution
Check for dented or cracked oil pans, which could be leaking oil and might need to be replaced.
5. Worn Valve Cover Gasket
If undetected, this leak will cause white smoke to appear but become less visible as the car accumulates more miles.
Oil leaking from the valve cover gasket, which sits at the top of the engine and prevents oil from escaping, can also result from heat and pressure over the years.
Solution
A gasket between the cylinder head and engine block will push oil up and out the top of the engine, usually just under where the valve cover screws down.
A valve cover gasket leak isn’t the end of the world, but it can cause a glaring bug to leak oil on other parts of the engine. If you spot oil at the valve cover, this is almost certainly a gasket.
6. Crankshaft and Camshaft Seals
The crankshaft and the camshaft seals are the ones at the front and rear of the engine, where the rotating shafts protrude outward from the engine block to keep the oil in and prevent it from leaking out where this rotating pivot is.
As with any seal, over time and usage, they can wear out and become damaged, so they wind up having leaks.
Solution
A leaky crankshaft or camshaft seal is probably causing this problem. Some trickery may be involved, but that is okay.
These seals leak on occasion, and as such, you must take your vehicle to a professional mechanic to have the issue addressed before your engine sustains major damage.
7. Overfilled Oil
However, if too much oil is added during the oil change, this can build up pressure, which will cause oil to seep from the many seals and gaskets around the engine.
Solution
Make sure that the right amount of oil is put in your engine, as per the car’s manufacturing recommendations. Drain any excess added oil immediately if you suspect that your engine is overfilled to avoid leakage.
8. Oil Filler Cap Issues
Find out the oil filler cap. This is where you put engine oil. If the cap isn’t attached securely, if it has a crack or is missing, it can leak oil from the top of the engine.
Solution
Check that the oil filler cap is tight. If the cap is cracked or missing, it should be replaced immediately to avoid oil leaks.
9. Damaged or Clogged PCV Valve
The Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve is installed to control pressure in the engine. When the PCV valve is blocked or worn out, the pressure can build up, causing leaks from the seals and gaskets.
Solution
Check the PCV valve during routine maintenance and replace it if it is obstructed or broken. A properly functioning PCV valve will keep your vehicle from developing oil leaks due to pressure.
10. Worn Out Rear Main Seal
The rear main seal is between the engine and the transmission and will be one of the most likely sources of a serious oil leak where you just say, ‘Crap, there goes the engine oil pump,’ and you’re parking the car in the cheapest repair section of Burning Hill.
The rear main takes out about half a weekend of your life to replace it involves dropping the engine from the transmission.
Solution
If an excessive amount of oil appears to be leaking from the rear of the engine, it could be due to a worn rear main seal. Fixes are complex, and you should seek the assistance of a professional mechanic.
Can I Drive with an Oil Leak?
In general, you should never drive if your car has an oil leak, and many other dangers can arise as a result of an engine oil leak.
Even if the leak is a small one that occurs slowly, the longer it goes without being repaired, the worse it will become.
Not only does oil lubricate the moving components of your engine to reduce friction and the resulting overheating, but when your oil levels reach a critically low point, it may not have enough to adequately lubricate itself.
This can result in engine parts wearing more quickly, overheating, or even total engine failure.
Furthermore, leaking oil may become a fire hazard if the oil drips on any other parts of the engine or the exhaust system.
Also, the oil leaking out of the engine may cause environmental contamination by polluting the ground or water resources.
In conclusion, although you can drive over a short distance with a minor oil leak, you need to deal with this problem immediately or run the risk of having to pay for expensive repairs or even putting your life in danger.
Maintenance service can be another measure to prevent oil leaks and help your car ride smoothly.
How To Prevent Oil Leaks?
Routine Oil Changes: Keep to your vehicle’s manufacturer’s recommended oil change schedule. Always use the oil recommended by the manufacturer. The proper type and grade of oil.
Check Seals and Gaskets: Pay close attention to the seals and gaskets of well maintained vehicles, especially those with high mileage.
Check Your Oil Levels: Check the oil level and look underneath your car for any signs of leaks.
Fix Leaks Right Away: If you see signs of an oil leak, such as oil spots around the engine area or in the garage, an oil level on the dipstick that is significantly under the ‘full’ mark, or a burning oil smell, fix the leak right away or you could cause serious damage to your engine.
FAQs on What Can Cause Oil To Leak
What Are the Most Common Causes of an Oil Leak in a Vehicle?
Typical sources include worn engine gaskets, bad oil seals, loose or damaged oil pans, or incorrectly installed oil filters.
Can Driving Habits Contribute To Oil Leaks?
Yes, aggressive driving and short trips, frequent starts and stops, and engine pressure can all degrade engine components and cause oil leaks.
How Can I Tell If My Car Has an Oil Leak?
Warning signals include oil under the car, a burning oil smell, steam from the engine, or going a while without changing the oil and noticing that the oil level has fallen.
Can Use the Wrong Type of Oil Cause Leaks?
Yes, it will because the oil will leak out of the engine, which would probably not work well because the oil is too thin and will not properly seal the engine.
Is It Safe To Drive with an Oil Leak?
Driving with an oil leak is perilous, as the oil can cause engine damage, overheating, or even a fire. Immediate action is advised.
Conclusion
Oil leaks can be caused by everything from a loose cap over the dipstick to a faulty rear main seal, and you’ll feel better in the long run if you find and fix the problem. Engine care means a lot more than a routine oil change.
Maintain a clean engine bay, have your fluids checked regularly, and get behind the wheel often. These small steps can keep you on the road for a lot longer.
If your car has an oil leak, you certainly don’t want to ignore it, as it will soon lead to engine failure.
Before the issue gets out of hand, schedule a time to have your car serviced. If you’re unsure what the cause of the leak is, bring it in for a thorough examination.