What Causes Oil Leaks and
How to Fix Them
Oil
leaks can be aggravating for vehicle owners because there are a lot
of potential causes for them. While it can be quite difficult to
diagnose the exact cause on a vehicle, most leaks can be avoided with
the help of simple and regular maintenance. Here are some of the most
common causes of oil leaks and what you can do to prevent them:
The
Oil Filter
Over
time, oil filters wear out, thus making them the top cause for oil
leaks. Also, some vehicles have extra parts in their filtration
system, at the filter which can also leak. Your local mechanic should
replace the filter with every oil change you make and see if it fits
properly because having a misaligned or loose filter could also lead
to leaks.
The
Filler Cap or Drain Plug
The
drain plug is located at the oil pan’s base. A plug that has
misaligned threads, worn-out threads, or one that is simply loose can
be yet another cause of an oil leak. The engine’s pressure could
also result in oil leaks, provided that the filler cap is broke,
loose, or missing. Make sure both are in good condition and correctly
sealed to assist in avoiding leaks.
The
Valve Gasket
This cause of oil leaks is probably
the most common one, especially in vehicles that have high mileage.
The valve gasket itself joins the engine block and oil pan. The
increase of pressure in the seal, over time, can lead to leaks and
failures, especially if sludge is built up. The build-up of sludge
can be reduced with regular oil changes, which in turn, helps to
increase the gaskets’ longevity.
How
to Properly Check for Leaks
Keep a close eye on your oil
dipstick, when you’re checking for oil leaks from the engine. Make
sure you perform the check when the engine is cool, preferably in the
morning, after an overnight sitting. If you notice a decrease in oil
levels, over time, this means that you are losing oil. You can also
see if there’s blue smoke coming out from the tailpipe, while you
are driving, or if there’s a smell of burning oil. This indicates
possible leaks into the engine or on hot parts of the engine.
Also, you can look for the common
oil stains on the ground, especially if it’s been sitting
overnight. Brown liquid is often a sign of an engine oil leak, red is
usually transmission fluid, and orange or green is usually coolant.
Problems related to your vehicle’s
oil system often require costly repairs, but getting them fixed right
away could potentially save you money. The rubber hoses and seals can
be prematurely degraded by oil leaks but, worst of all, they could
potentially lead to engine failure.
The best way to fix an oil leak is
to take it to your local mechanic for professional oil leaks service.
The service itself may be more expensive than a YouTube DIY, but the
fix will be long-lasting and you know they’ll get the job done
right.
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