Is your car leaking oil?
So you find a few drops of oil leakage under your vehicle every now and then—not a big deal, right? Or is it? We’re here to round up some of the possible causes of a car leaking oil.
Unless you drive a fully electric car, motor oil is an absolutely vital component for your vehicle. Oil is basically the lifeblood of your automobile’s engine. It provides lubrication for every internal moving part of the engine, prevents friction buildup, and works as a heat sink by absorbing excess engine heat and diverting it away from sensitive components.
Because of its numerous jobs and the extreme conditions it faces, motor oil decays quickly inside the engine system. Most car owners replace their oil every 3,000 to 7,000 miles, depending on their vehicle. Doing so is one of the most affordable and accessible forms of vehicle maintenance you can perform.
However, performing regular oil changes doesn’t always guarantee that your car will never develop issues. Oil leaks, in particular, are a pretty common issue for drivers. They can happen even if you change your oil religiously. In fact, many car-leaking oil issues result from inexperienced drivers changing their oil incorrectly.
No one likes to see their car leaking oil. So, to help you understand the most frequent causes of oil leaks, we’ve rounded up the most common reasons you see a puddle of oil beneath your car.
1. Loose oil drain plug
An oil change is an absolutely crucial form of car maintenance. But like all repair or maintenance projects, it’s important that you follow the proper procedure and do the steps correctly. Incorrectly changing your vehicle’s oil can be worse than not replacing it at all and can lead to a car leaking oil.
This doesn’t mean that oil changes are overly difficult or complex, even for novices. However, the importance of doing the job right cannot be overstated.
In other words, follow the instructions offered by your car maker regarding things like engine oil capacity and type, oil filter installation, and drain plug torque.
Many drivers disregard drain plug torque specifications when changing their car oil, and the result is often a car leaking oil. While that may be OK for automotive pros and seasoned veterans, most car novices and casual DIYers should follow the torque specifications to a tee.
For example, if you install the drain plug too loosely, it may come out due to vibrations while driving. If that happens, your car will disastrously and quickly lose nearly all of its oil, which may lead to a seized engine and thousands of dollars worth of damage. Even if the plug doesn’t fall out, the oil may seep out of the drain pan if the plug is installed too loosely.
Alternatively, if you overtighten the drain plug, you may damage the drain pan or strip its threads. These problems can make you end up with a car leaking oil and potentially other damage. For instance, if the plug is overly tight, a mechanic may have to drill it out, requiring an entirely new drain pan and expensive repair work.
2. Damaged valve cover gasket
In most cases, a car leaking oil is due to a damaged valve cover gasket. These are the rubber seals located between your engine’s cylinder head and the cover protecting the valve train’s upper components. The gasket’s main job is to contain oil and stop leaks, preventing dust or debris from entering the cylinder head and creating a seal between the engine and valve cover.
Valve cover gaskets are built to be highly durable and long-lasting. However, they are also prone to wear and tear over time. Valve cover gaskets can get damaged due to improper installation, age, or excessive heat.
Usually, there isn’t a specific replacement interval for valve cover gaskets—typically, you don’t have to replace them unless they are leaking or otherwise damaged. A car leaking oil is often a sign that there’s something wrong with your valve cover gasket, and you should replace it as soon as possible.
The most common indicators of a car leaking oil caused by a damaged valve cover gasket include oil dripping down the back or side of the motor, damp, greasy spots around the upper engine, and puddles of oil on the ground.
A small valve cover gasket leak will probably only result in a dirty engine bay, while a major leak can cause serious oil loss.
If you spot your car leaking oil and you need to replace your valve cover gasket, don’t fret. It’s a relatively straightforward and simple job. A mechanic should be able to do the procedure in about an hour, depending on the vehicle. If you choose to replace the gasket yourself, keep in mind to properly torque your valve cover bolts and stick to the tightening pattern recommended by your car’s manufacturer. Doing so can prevent future valve cover gasket issues.
3. Oil pan damage
Your vehicle’s engine oil pan is basically a reservoir or storage facility for motor oil. After passing through the engine, the oil is very hot. It flows to the oil pan, where it loses excess heat before the oil pump sends it through a filter and back into the engine.
You don’t usually need to replace the oil pan as part of regular maintenance. However, due to its spot on the bottom of the car, the oil pan is quite vulnerable to damage caused by potholes, road debris, and rocks.
Moreover, oil pan gaskets are subject to deterioration over time, similar to valve cover gaskets. If you’re wondering why your car is leaking oil, it may be due to faulty oil pan gaskets, even if the pan itself is in great condition.
If the pan becomes damaged, it can cause devastating oil leaks pretty fast. These leaks are generally easily noticeable due to the large puddles of oil they often leave on the ground. If your oil pan deteriorates and leads to an oil leak, you’ll have to replace it as soon as possible, and the best thing you can do is not drive your vehicle until you fix the issue.
Oil pan replacement is pretty easy and straightforward, but it can be expensive due to the cost of replacement components. Similar to the valve cover gasket, you’ll have to follow the proper torque pattern and specifications if you choose to install a new oil pan yourself. But if you feel more comfortable having a pro do that, a mechanic should be able to do the job in one to three hours, depending on your car.
Keep reading to discover other causes of a car leaking oil!
4. Too much oil in the engine
Every internal combustion engine features a specified oil capacity. This is the amount of oil the engine can store at one time. Too little oil can lead to overheating and inadequate lubrication. However, too much oil is also problematic for your engine.
Adding too much oil to your vehicle’s engine can result in clogged valves, spark plug damage, gasket leaks, blown seals, and a car leaking oil. The marks on your car’s oil dipstick are there for a reason. Make sure you use them any time you change your oil so the leven is within the appropriate range.
If you accidentally pour too much oil, you’ll need to drain some of it back out again. Yes, that’s annoying, but it’s better than paying for expensive repairs after you flood your spark plugs or blow an engine seal.
Too much oil in the engine can be the reason for your car leaking oil. There are several tips you can use to avoid overfilling your engine with oil. First, check your vehicle’s oil capacity before changing the oil. If your car has an oil capacity of four quarts, start by adding 3.5 quarts of oil. Next, check the level and gradually add more oil until you reach the proper range.
Finally, it’s worth keeping in mind that oil capacities don’t always take into consideration the oil filter. An oil filter will typically hold about a quarter to one quart of oil. After you change your filter and fill the engine with clean oil, start your vehicle and let it run for about 30 seconds. This enables the oil to enter the new filter. Then, check your oil level again to make sure that it’s within the correct range.
By the way, here are plenty of car oil brands to choose from.
5. Improperly installed oil filter
A car leaking oil can also be caused by an improperly installed oil filter. Just like your oil drain plug, it’s also essential that you install the oil filter correctly when doing an oil change. Most oil filters feature torque specifications. However, you can’t actually use a torque wrench on them because of their size.
Instead, there are some steps to follow when installing an oil filter to prevent any leaks and other damage. The first thing you have to do is apply a light layer of oil to the filter’s gasket. This will prevent the gasket from tearing during the installation process and also help keep the filter from securing itself to its housing, making it easier to take it out during your next oil change.
Next, when you install the filter, screw it on until it’s snug, and then turn it one-quarter to one-half turn more. Stop after that. A tighter fit runs the risk of damaging the filter or its housing.
A car leaking oil can also be caused by an oil filter installed too loosely. Like drain pan damage, oil filter leaks usually cause puddles of oil beneath the vehicle. If you’re dealing with a car leaking oil due to an improperly installed filter, the solution is simple—as long as your engine hasn’t gone too long without enough oil.
The only thing you need to do is replace the oil filter with a new one and install it properly (make sure it’s the correct type). Then, replenish any oil lost due to the leak. This being said, if your car leaking oil has been an issue for an extended period of time, your engine may have developed more serious damage.
Any time you deal with an oil leak, it’s best to visit a mechanic for an inspection and to evaluate the true extent of any damage.
If you liked our article on the causes of a car leaking oil, you may also want to read Should You Get an Oil Change? 7 Signs That Confirm It.
