Why is My Car Leaking Oil?

Engine oil is one of the most essential components of your car, and it’s important to stay consistent with oil changes so your ride can keep running in top condition on the Thibodaux roads. Oil cuts down on friction inside your engine so it runs smoothly, but it starts to become dirty and lose its thickness as time goes on. This is why it’s important to regularly change it out before it becomes too thin and dirty to work properly.

If you notice an oil leak under your car, you may have waited too long between oil changes. While this is the most common cause, there could be other reasons for a car leaking oil, like a damaged gasket. It’s important to troubleshoot the problem right away, so you don’t risk any accidental damage to your engine. The service team at Southland Dodge has all the details on the various causes of a car leaking oil when parked or moving, so read on!

Common Signs of a Car Leaking Oil

If you see a puddle of greasy-looking brownish liquid under your parked car, then it’s likely you have an oil leak. Another common sign of an oil leak is if you open up the hood and see oil coating your engine. You should regularly open your hood and do a spot check to make sure that all the fluids are topped off and in the right place. When your engine is leaking oil, it will burn when it comes into contact with a hot surface, so if you start seeing or smelling smoke while driving, then your oil is leaking and you should stop the car right away.

What Causes Oil Leaks in Cars?

So, why do cars leak oil? Other than the oil degrading from waiting too long between oil changes, there are a few reasons. These are usually related to an issue with your auto components, whether they were improperly installed or have just worn out with time. Here are some details:

Damaged Oil Gaskets or Pans

While your vehicle’s oil pans and gaskets can deteriorate over time and need to be replaced, there are more immediate ways it can be damaged as well. The pans and gaskets are located at the bottom of the engine underneath your vehicle, so they’re the most vulnerable to road debris or wear and tear. Rough road conditions around Paradis can easily cause damage that leads to an oil leak under your car.

Incorrect Installations

If your gaskets have been improperly installed, it can cause oil to leak out under your vehicle. Improper installation ranges from over-tightening the oil gasket, to the tightness not being evenly distributed. The oil filter may have also been incorrectly installed; since the engine oil flows continuously through the filter, any issues with it can cause the oil to leak out.

Southland Dodge is Always At Your Service

If you have any service concerns regarding your engine oil or any other component of your vehicle, we’re here to help! You can schedule an appointment right from our website, and we’ll have you back on the %%target_city_3_%% roads in no time. You can also contact our office with any questions, or stop by our dealership to talk to a service expert in person.