Is your car leaving behind mysterious oil puddles wherever it goes? You may notice a dark puddle after moving your car from a place it was parked.
Or perhaps, you don’t see any pool of oil around but you find yourself constantly needing to top up your oil levels even though you’re not driving long distances.
Here’s a tip for you: If any of these occur frequently, you may be dealing with a car oil leak. Truth be told, you want to address the issue ASAP.
Spotting the signs of an oil leak is, thankfully, fairly easy. In most cases, your car will warn you when there is too little oil left in the tank. So, if you have to deal with regular oil warnings, this is a dead giveaway that you may have an oil leak. Other signs are, as explained above, just as unmissable, such as the oil puddle and noticing that your oil level is going too low too fast.
The thing about oil leaks is that you can’t ignore them. Ultimately, your car needs oil to function, so you have no option but to repair your vehicle to keep it safe for driving. The issue is that car oil leaks can be tricky to diagnose alone. You will need to work with a professional and trustworthy mechanic to get to the bottom of it. Typically, your mechanic is likely to come back with one of the following diagnoses:
#1. Damaged engine gasket
One significant offender for an oil leak is the head gasket (or engine gasket). This plays a pivotal role in your car’s engine, as it sits between the engine block and the cylinder head, acting as a sealand for the combustion chamber. In simple terms, when the head gasket is damaged, oil gets in places it shouldn’t be, such as leaking into the engine’s cooling system.
How can a mechanic help you fix the issue? Essentially, your car requires a new engine gasket kit that will prevent further leaks.
#2. Damaged oil filler cap
The oil filler cap might seem insignificant, but it serves an important purpose. It seals the oil tank to prevent dirt, debris, and moisture from entering. If it is broken, it can be tough to remove and lead to leakage when the engine is running and generating pressure.
This seemingly minor issue can result in oil loss over time, and potentially lead to engine damage if left unaddressed.
#3. Worn-out oil drain plug
The oil drain plug is a small but essential part of your car’s oil system. It is responsible for sealing the drain hole, where the oil is removed during an oil change. If this becomes worn-out, leakage is likely to occur.
In conclusion, a car oil leak is not something you can take lightly. The sooner you recognize the signs, the sooner you can get it fixed. After all, taking care of your vehicle is essential for your safety and the longevity of your investment. Ignoring an oil leak can lead to serious engine issues in the long term, and this would be a costly repair bill.
So, if your oil levels are dropping mysteriously, you want to take action promptly and book an appointment at a trusted garage.
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