Engine oil is an essential fluid for the proper functioning of your vehicle. It is both a lubricant and a temperature regulator. It can be easy to spot an engine oil leak, however, making a clear and precise diagnosis is the trickier part. Our fully-trained, experienced mechanics can help detect the causes of engine oil leaks and recommend the best course of action to fix the issue. If you have any doubts, don’t hesitate to consult our in-house experts. It’s best to seek help as soon as possible because driving without oil means running the risk of breaking your car’s engine.

An oil leak? Your engine could be in danger

Engine oil is the lifeblood of your car. If your car is leaking oil, it is as if it is bleeding. Don’t wait for problems to get worse and don’t risk paying expensive repair bills! Get your car checked as soon as possible. There are some tell-tale signs to look out for: the yellowish-green oil stain on the garage floor, the unpleasant smell of burnt oil, or the slight smoke coming from the engine when you are stationary. These are telltale signs that your engine is losing oil and needs help.

Over time, an engine ages. Repeated pressure, heating, heat, and cooling can cause seals to harden, shrink and crack. After many years of operation and miles driven, the risk of engine oil leaks increases considerably. That’s why it’s important to keep your engine in good working order with regular maintenance and annual servicing at the garage.

Just like gearbox oil leaks and brake fluid leaks, engine oil leaks should be diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible. Have you spotted the oil stain on the road in front of your house? This is a sign that you should get your car checked by a trained mechanic. This oil also deposits on hoses and belts, causing them to deteriorate rapidly. Another important point is that engine oil leaks are a major fire hazard, creating the potential for a disastrous fire that could consume your entire vehicle, not just the engine.

Where do oil leaks occur in the engine?

Oil leaks can occur anywhere there is a seal in and around the engine. Seals wear out, plugs and hoses break, and even metal can crack, which can lead to leaks and trips to the mechanic. What are the most common causes of engine oil leaks that you can identify:

Oil filler cap

Oil doesn’t just flow. It is under great pressure inside the engine. So if the filler cap – the plug that covers the opening through which you pour oil into the engine – is loose or broken, or if the seal is worn, the engine pressure can push the oil up and out.

Oil filter

To keep your engine oil healthy, oil filters are essential. That’s why you need to maintain your maintenance schedule with regular oil and filter changes. Filters can be misaligned or loose. Remember that some makes or models of cars have extra parts in the filtration system and these parts can leak. To avoid any inconvenience, make sure that the filter is changed every time the oil is changed and that it is properly and securely attached.

Cylinder head gasket

Located above the cylinder head of the engine block, the head gasket is an essential part of the engine. If you notice white (or light blue) smoke coming out of the engine, a leaky exhaust, low engine oil, or coolant levels, the head gasket is probably to blame. It is, therefore, necessary to replace it or to use a leak-proof seal that is suitable for both petrol and diesel engines.

Valve stem seal

The valve stem seal seals the valve and prevents leakage into the cylinder. Are you experiencing oil leaks and/or abnormal oil and fuel consumption? Decreased engine performance? Depending on the model of your vehicle, your mechanic will tell you whether or not it is necessary to remove the cylinder head to change the gasket – which saves labor time.

Oil pan and drain plug

When you drive over rough roads, debris (rubble, litter, etc.), rocks, and large stones, or when you hit objects, this causes impacts. Your oil pan may be damaged and may leak. Extreme or semi-extreme driving conditions can compromise the reliability of the oil pan, the oil pan screw, and its seal. An intervention is necessary.

Do the right thing: check the oil level regularly

To check the oil level in your engine, check the dipstick at least once a week and note the level. Make sure you park your vehicle on level ground and check the oil level when the engine is cold (the oil sinks back into the tank), not just after a journey. The level should be between the minimum and maximum – never below, never above. If the level drops rapidly over a short period of time, there may be a leak somewhere. 

Today, newer vehicles have an electronic oil sensor on their dashboard that indicates when the oil level is approaching the minimum level. Keep in mind that these lights may not work for some reason. A simple check is quick to carry out and will alleviate any problems or worsening of a possible malfunction.

How do I repair engine oil leaks?

An engine oil leak is a serious problem that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. There are oil additives that claim to seal leaks, but no leak can really be permanently repaired by a simple chemical additive. The garages and mechanics selected by Fixter are experts who know how to answer the various causes of engine oil leaks, what to look for in priority, and propose the best solutions. Oil leaks can be dangerous and shorten the life of your car, so be proactive and make an appointment with Fixter before you damage your vehicle further.

About Fixter

Fixter is revolutionising the car maintenance industry, one repair at a time. Fixter was founded to make car maintenance as easy as booking a taxi. Digital, transparent and stress-free, with world-class customer service. Since launching in Manchester in 2017, Fixter has expanded to more than 100 towns and cities across the UK and provided thousands of car owners with honest, convenient and affordable car repair services.