What Causes Engine Oil Leak and How to Fix It

If your engine is leaking oil, odds are you might run into some trouble if it’s not taken care of in time. It’s not just a small problem on your way. It may indicate a bigger problem with the engine. At GTAutoLube, we have experience dealing with these leaks and helping car owners find the problem.

You might have noticed some engine oil dripping from your engine in the past, or oil on the ground beneath your car, this article will help you understand the reasons for this and solutions so you can save your car!

Common Causes of Engine Oil Leak

If you see oil dripping from your exhaust on the ground, just know it is a simple repair. If you know exactly where the leak is coming from, you make your job a lot easier. These are some of the main causes of engine oil leaks.

1. Old or Worn-Out Gaskets

There are many seals between many components of your engine. As time goes on, these seals tend to wear out and become incredibly thin or deteriorate. One of the most common problems is valve cover gaskets, which tend to break as time goes on.

2. Seals Are Degrading

Your mechanical seals are under constant pressure and will fail due to heat and age. When this seal is lost, you will see damage around the crankshaft or camshaft.

3. Loose or Defective Oil Filter

After an oil change, an oil filter may be faulty. If an oil filter is not tightened, the oil will leak. This is one of the common reasons and can cause something like an engine to blow up.

4. Damaged Oil Pan

The oil pan sits directly under your engine, making it visible to everything on the road. Rocks, soil or scratches on the surface can damage the oil pan and cause leaks. If you see oil leaking from the bottom of your car, a damaged oil can be the cause.

5. Overfilling Oil

It sounds simple, but too much oil can cause damage. Overfilling the engine will increase the pressure and force the oil past the sump and tank, causing problems.

How to Fix an Engine Oil Leak

1. Tighten or Replace the Oil Filter

If the oil filter is leaking or faulty, this is easy. Just clean or replace it and the leak will go away. Remember that even small things like improper sealing can cause big problems.

2. Replace Gaskets and Seals

If you observe oil leaking from the oil pan or valve cover, it could be a worn out gasket or seal.

If you see oil leaking from places like the valve cover or oil pan, it could be a faulty gasket or seal. However, changing the bags is more work and requires a mechanic depending on your experience level. That said, this is a permanent solution.

3. Use Lucas Engine Oil Stop Leak Seal

For small leaks, a product like Lucas Engine Oil Stop Leak Seal can be a lifesaver. It works by renewing old, dry seals that can prevent leaks without requiring major repairs. This is ideal if you’re tight on budget and need repairs right away, or just a temporary solution. This is great if you can’t spend a lot of money on repairs right now, or if you just need a temporary solution.

4. Repair or Replace the Oil Pan

If the oil pan is cracked or damaged, it must be repaired or replaced. While this may sound scary, it should prevent oil leaks that can cause more engine problems.

5. Monitor Your Oil Levels

Even if you fix the leak, you need to monitor your oil level. Low levels indicate that the leak has not been fully resolved or that another problem is lurking.

How to Detect Engine Oil Leak Early

You can detect oil leaks early and save yourself expensive repairs. Here’s how to tell if there’s a problem:

1. Pits Under Your Vehicle

One of the most obvious signs of an oil spill is finding pits or areas under your vehicle. If you see engine oil dripping or leaking, especially in places where you stand all the time, it is a good sign that the engine oil is leaking.

2. Burning Oil Smell

If oil spills on hot engine parts, you will notice a strong hot oil smell. This is not only annoying, but it can also indicate a bigger problem.

3. Top Up the Oil Regularly

If the oil fill is the same between oil changes, that’s a red flag. Even if you don’t see any visible leaks, your oil is going somewhere – whether it’s burning or leaking.

4. Smoke from the Engine

Do you see smoke coming from your engine? This is an indication of oil leakage on a hot surface. It’s not something to ignore because it can cause more problems if left untreated.

Prevent Engine Oil Leak

Once you fix a leak, you must prevent future leaks. Here are some tips:

1. Stay Informed About Regular Oil Changes

One of the easiest ways to prevent breakdowns is to change your oil regularly. Fresh oil and filters help keep the engine clean and reduce the risk of a gasket or seal.

2. Use High-Quality Engine Oil and Additives

Make sure you are using a quality oil that meets your vehicle’s specifications. At GTAutoLube, we have a wide variety of premium lubricants, including additives like Lucas Motor Oil Stop Leak Seal, that can extend the life of your engine seal.

3. Inspect Regularly

Be prepared to check for oil leaking from the engine, especially after repairs and oil changes. Early leak detection can save you time and money.

Buy Engine Oil Leak Solutions at GTAutoLube

Purchase the best of the best engine oil from API and DEXOS-approved brands and companies at GTAutoLube. We take pride in serving our customers with the highest quality lubricants for your vehicle, giving you peace of mind when cruising down the street.