Common Engine Oil Leak Causes

Start by Checking Your Engine Oil Dipstick

If you’ve ever had trouble with oil leaks in the past, you probably understand how easy it is to check the level of your engine oil. All cars will have a dipstick that can be used to see how much oil you have.

When your car isn’t running, pop the hood and look for a cap with what looks like an oil can on it. Near that, there should be a handle you can pull out, revealing a long, flat strip of metal. Use some paper towels to clean off any oil already on the dipstick and reinsert it. When you pull it out again, you should be able to see whether your oil is low using lines marked on the dipstick. If your oil level is low, it’s possible an oil leak is to blame.

Look for Spots on the Ground from Oil Drips

A surefire way to tell if you have an oil leak is to look for spots under your car where engine oil has dripped onto the ground. These spots will likely be under the front end of your car and should be brown-ish in color. Depending on the type and color of the surface on which you park, it can be difficult to tell much about the fluid leaking from your car but engine oil is the most common.

Your Oil Filter is Worn or Not Aligned

A good rule of thumb is to have your oil filter replaced every time you get an oil change. Over time, they’ll wear out and accumulate extra sludge and debris, just as your engine oil does. Your oil filter can also come out of alignment or, if you recently had your oil changed, your new oil filter could have been aligned improperly when it was replaced.

A Bad Oil Drain Plug

When you get an oil change, the oil drain plug will be removed so that all of the old engine oil will drain out of your car. Over time, this plug can wear out – or it can be loose or misaligned after a recent oil change. This is a pretty common cause for oil leaks, as well as a very simple one to fix. It’s still a good idea to get it fixed as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

The Valve Gasket is Worn

Because your engine is a closed system, all of the seals and gaskets are important to keep in good condition. Over time, they’ll wear out from use and temperature exposure, as well as the buildup of sludge from engine oil. As the pressure in your engine increases, it can cause the gaskets to leak. If not addressed soon enough, the gaskets may break, resulting in major engine repairs.

Damage to Your Oil Pan

While driving, especially in rough winter weather or while off-roading where the underside of your car is more likely to get knocked, your oil pan may get hit. This can lead to an oil leak from either a hole in your oil pan or a dent that has caused a misalignment with your oil drain plug.