Car Leaking Oil? Find the Leak!

So, you just had your oil changed and now your car is leaking oil. These quick tips will help you determine if you have a serious oil leak or not. If you find that your car is leaking oil after an oil change, check the following:

Check the Drain Plug

The drain plug is located at the bottom of the oil pan.

If the drain plug was not secured to the proper torque it may leak. Let the engine cool and check to see it if is at least finger tight. For precise tightening instructions, check your vehicle owner's manual.

The drain plug was cross threaded it may not seal completely.

The drain plug may also have a small rubber gasket that is missing. Check your owner's manual to see if you have all of the required pieces.

Check the Oil Filter

The oil filter can be located in several places throughout the engine compartment. Some are easy to find while others are tucked away where only elves can reach.

Check to see if the filter is tightened properly.
Check to see if the filter gasket is properly installed.

Check the Oil Filler Cap

If the oil cap was not properly replaced or if it is missing there is an obvious potential problem. Make sure the cap is in place and securely tightened.

Check the Valve Gasket Cover

Look around to valve gasket to see if there are any leaks. The valve gasket is between the valve cover and the lower part of the engine.

When you discover that your car has an oil leak you must quickly find where the oil is leaking from. Oil leaks can happen in many places and it can be challenging to find a difficult oil leak in your engine compartment.

Common places to check for an oil leak

Do you have worn pistons and rings?
Is there a bad or worn gaskets?
Did you secure the oil plug properly?
Was the oil plug worn or damaged?
How is the oil filter attached?
Is the oil filter gasket missing?
Do you have high oil pressure? This could be a bad one...
Are the oil coolant lines corroded or leaking?

Now that you have some of the possible issues listed it is time to get busy.

Here are some ways to detect an oil leak

First, open the hood and look for an obvious oil leak. Yes, it sounds over simplified, but basic troubleshooting will tell you to check the simple things first. Look at any area where pieces are connected together. If there is a bolt holding two metal pieces together, there is probably a gasket between them. Gaskets are common places oil can leak from so look for a few minutes to find as many as you can and wipe each area clean with a rag, shop towels, or paper towels.

Next, clean each of the possible areas that could have an oil leak. The areas must be cleaned so you can see bare metal. Check each area daily to see if any new oil is building up. Look at the lines between engine parts. Look at the oil filter and the oil plug.

Place clean newspaper or cardboard under your car when it is parked over night. Before you start the car look to see where the oil drips are located. The oil leak will be in that general area. Keep in mind that there are many nooks and crannies in your engine compartment. The oil leak may be high in the engine and could run down and across many things. This can make it hard to find the oil leak. Also, the leak could be any of several other fluids.

Found the oil leak - Now what?

All the work you did to find the leak is just the first part of the solution. Finding the oil leak yourself can save you money and time at the mechanic. Make a note of where the leak is and make sure you tell the mechanic exactly where it is.

Can't find the oil leak? Now What?

It may be a good idea to have your engine compartment thoroughly cleaned or professionally steam cleaned. If the leak is very slow, wait a day and take the vehicle to the mechanic for a complete diagnosis. If you have a fast leak you can head straight to the mechanic so they can help you find it.

Remember, the oil is a critical part of your automobile. without oil your car would die!