Why Is My Oil Leaking?

Have you noticed a puddle under your car every morning that gets you thinking: why is my oil leaking? The professionals at Watermark Ford of Marion have prepared the information below for you to learn more about what could be causing your oil to leak.

Marion, Herrin, and Carbondale, IL, drivers can read through below, and then schedule an appointment with our service team to get their oil leak resolved.

Signs of Leaking Oil

When you see liquid under your car, you might come to the immediate conclusion that it is oil. You might be right, but it's important to rule out any other possible leaks that can come from the transmission, brake system, air conditioning unit, or coolant system.

Here's how to tell the difference between an oil leak and other types of leaks:

Other ways in which you can differentiate between an oil leak and any other leak are by their location, consistency, and smell. Motor oil is thick, has a slick consistency, and smells a lot like gasoline. However, you won't always find it under the oil pan as it courses through various other car components.

Most Common Reasons That Your Oil is Leaking

Oil leaks can occur for a number of reasons. A crack in the oil pan seems like it would be the most common reason. After all, any amount of debris on the road can hit and damage your oil pan. However, a degraded engine gasket and improper hose connection are just as likely to cause leaks.

Damage, improper fitting, or excess wear and tear to these other engine lubrication components can also cause oil leaks:

• Oil pan seal
• Oil pan plug
• Oil pressure sensor
• Timing cover seal
• Valve cover gaskets

Your motor oil goes through so many parts of the engine that the leak can wind up being anywhere in the system. As such, it's important that you visit a professional mechanic who knows about every nook and cranny in which your engine oil can wind up and leak from.

Why You Need to Fix the Oil Leak

Motor oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle. It creates lubrication between engine parts, keeps the temperature down, and clears out debris. If your vehicle is lacking oil, your engine might eventually take a hit because it's not being lubricated enough.

Apart from the mechanical importance of engine oil, a leak will force you to refill your oil more often. If you normally get an oil change every 10,000 miles, you may need to do so every 5,000 miles with a leak. While scheduling a leak fix might not have been what you'd planned to do this week, it can save you time and prevent further damage to your vehicle in the long run.

Get Your Oil Leak Checked Today

If you've noticed your car oil leaking, you can schedule a service appointment with our mechanics at Watermark Ford of Marion. We serve Marion, Herrin, and Carbondale, Illinois, drivers and are happy to get your oil leak repaired.