How To Find And Repair Engine Oil Leaks - AutoDeal

After going through the basics, you must now identify if your car is really leaking oil before you find the remedy for it. Note that it is also likely that the oil on your vehicle is the result of road grime and other cars' fluid—not necessarily your cars.

1. Investigate the leak

Is it even an oil leak? Before you conclude that your car is dripping in oil, you must first see it yourself. Kindly examine the drips under your car, lay down newspaper or a white plastic plate, and try to catch some of the fluid. If you see oil on a surface, try to blot it with paper towels to see the color and the characteristics of the leaking fluid. A slow leak would typically seep out, while a faster leak will drip.

Also, check the floor of where your car was parked. Try and park on a dry surface and leave your car there for a while—do this the next time you go to a mall or leave your car in a parking building. Before you leave, try and check the parking slot for any oil and make sure it is clean. Following that, park your car, then carry on your day. Before you leave for home or another excursion, check the underside of your car and the parking slot. To add, be responsible and try to clean up the oil if you can. Paper towels are perfect for doing this—not only do you get a sample of the fluid on the ground, but you also clean up for the next person who will park in the same slot.

Engine oil is an amber color, feels thin and slippery, and has a strong chemical odor, while older oil can be dark brown to black, with a gritty or gunky texture. Both of these are the ones' should look for if you suspect an oil leak. Do take note that there are other fluids that could possibly leak under your car. If it's clear and yellow then it's the brake fluid. If it's color green, bright orange, or pink and is not sticky, then it's probably your windshield washer fluid.

2. Check your fluid levels

It’s important to regularly check your fluid levels. You can inspect your oil level by using the dipstick. If you find that your oil level is low, either you haven’t changed your oil in a while, or there is a leak. You can tell that your car needs an oil change if your level is low, but if you just got an oil change not too long ago and you’re running low, it could possibly be a leak.

3. Locate the source of the leak

You can consult a mechanic to do this, or if you’re willing to do a little dirty work, you can also opt to discover the source of the leak on your own by playing detective. Here are some steps to follow in locating the source of the oil leak.

- Turn the engine off and shine a bright light into the engine area.

- Is oil pretty much everywhere? If so, it could be a slow leak due to the engine's gaskets.

- After resting for a few seconds, turn on the engine again and thoroughly inspect your car. If the oil starts wildly spraying, then it's going past a worn crankshaft or seal.

4. Consult an expert

Again, if you can’t commit to the dirty work, still, you can always consult a motor oil expert or mechanic to do the work for you.