Motor oil is one of the most important fluids in your car.
It lubricates vital engine parts, preventing them from grinding against each other and wearing out prematurely.
Your oil also helps to cool the engine by carrying heat away from moving parts.
And it cleans the engine, removing dirt, dust, and other contaminants that would cause premature wear and damage.
So, it’s not surprising that oil leaks can be a serious costly problem for car owners.
Not only do they cause damage to the vehicle, but they can also be dirty and dangerous.
We’ll look at the causes and symptoms of oil leaks, as well as the cost of repairing them.
Estimated Oil Leak Repair Cost
There are several different reasons why your car might be leaking oil.
Depending on the specific reason, the necessary repair to fix the leak, and the make and model of your car, the price for repairing an oil leak will vary.
You could pay anywhere between $100 to $2,000 (or even more) to fix an oil leak.
In most cases, some part will likely need a replacement be it a gasket, valve cover, oil pan, etc.
Higher oil leak repair costs often come down to the labor involved to dismantle the engine so that the proper repair can be made.
Causes of an Oil Leak
There are several different reasons why a car might leak oil.
Some of the most common causes are:
- Faulty oil seals.
- Worn out oil gaskets.
- Loose drain plugs.
- Damaged oil pans.
- Bad oil filters.
1. Faulty Oil Seals
The oil seal is responsible for preventing oil from escaping the engine oil pan.
If the oil seal is defective, oil will leak out.
2. Worn Out Gaskets
Worn out oil gaskets no longer provide a tight seal between the oil pan and the engine covers.
This can allow oil to seep out and drip onto the ground.
3. Loose Drain Plugs
A drain plug is a threaded fitting that attaches to the bottom of a oil pan.
It is used to drain oil from the engine.
Loose drain plugs can cause oil leaks by allowing oil to escape from the oil pan.
Drain plugs can also leak when they are over tightened or are missing their gaskets or crush washers.
4. Damaged Oil Pans
The oil pan sits at the bottom of the engine and collects oil as it drips off the moving parts.
If it becomes cracked or dented, oil will start to leak out.
5. Bad Oil Filters
Bad oil filters cause oil to leak because they can become clogged and restrict the flow of oil.
This can create excessive pressure and lead to oil seeping past the seals in the filter.
Signs that Your Car is Leaking Oil
There are several signs that your car might be leaking oil.
Some of the most common symptoms are:
- Oil on the ground under the car.
- Oil on the engine.
- Smoke from the engine.
- Engine overheating.
- Oil pressure light turns on.
1. Oil on the Ground Under the Car
If you park your car and see a puddle of oil on the ground, it’s likely that you have an oil leak.
2. Oil on the Engine
If you open the hood of your car and see oil all over the engine, it’s likely that oil is leaking out from somewhere.
3. Smoke from the Engine
If you see smoke coming from the engine, it could be a sign that oil is burning off because of a leak.
4. Engine Overheating
If oil is leaking, your engine components might not be getting sufficient amounts of oil to keep lubricating.
The friction of the improperly lubricated parts can cause engine overheating.
5. Oil Pressure Light
If the oil pressure light on your dashboard flashes, you may be dealing with an oil leak.
Minor vs. Serious Oil Leaks
The main difference between minor oil leaks and serious oil leaks is the amount of damage they cause.
Minor oil leaks typically do not cause any damage in the short term, while serious oil leaks can cause significant damage to the engine and car.
Serious oil leaks are also more difficult and expensive to fix than minor oil leaks.
No matter the severity, if you suspect that you have an oil leak, it is important to have it fixed as soon as possible.
Oil leaks can lead to engine failure and other costly repairs.
Additionally, allowing oil to leak onto other parts can cause damage too. Oil on things like the timing belt and hoses can cause you more problems.
So if you notice any signs of an oil leak, be sure to have it checked out by a mechanic.
Is it OK to keep driving if your car leaks oil?
Driving a car that leaks oil is not recommended, as it can damage the engine.
If you have an oil leak, have it fixed as soon as possible.
If your car isn’t leaking oil very rapidly, you may drive it short distances, but it’s best to limit that short-distance driving to your local car mechanic.