Is Your Car Engine Subject to an Oil Leak? We'll help you figure out the underlying cause. Being a common problem, oil leaks are often taken lightly by vehicle owners. All car owners need to understand that oil leaks can directly impact the performance of the engine, the most important feature in your car. Not addressing oil leaks can cause the engine to deteriorate and eventually fail. Knowing about the causes of oil leaks should put you in a much better position to avoid them. Here are some top causes of car oil leaks: Valve Gasket For vehicles with high mileage, the valve gasket is the most common source of oil leaks. It joins the oil pan and the engine block. The pressure in the seal of the valve gasket increases over time and the breakdown of oil results in sludge buildup, resulting in failures and leaks. Seeking an oil change eliminates the buildup of sludge, thereby ensuring the longevity of the valve gaskets. Oil Filter Oil filters are another culprit of oil leaks. If you’ve sought an oil change in the past, you probably know that it also involves replacement of the oil filter. This is because the component wears out over time. Plus, a misaligned or loose filter is also a leading cause of oil leaks. Depending on the vehicle you have, there might be other components in the filtration system that are also subject to leaks. Getting the filter replaced every time you go for an oil change should help avoid the issue. Oil Filler Cap The filler cap covers the spot where you pour new oil into the engine. If it’s missing, broken, or loose, the pressure of the engine can easily cause the oil to spill out when you’re driving. Oil Drain Plug Accessible from the inside of your car, a drain plug is situated at the base of the oil pan. Some of the issues that can lead to an oil leak, in this case, include misaligned threads, a loose oil drain plug, or worn-out threads. If you notice fresh oil around the plug or at one side, you know that the oil drain plug needs treatment. Oil Overfill What seems like an oil leak might actually be the result of a simple error. When changing the engine oil yourself, you may end up pouring more oil into the engine than it needs or can accommodate. This inevitably results in an overflow. Thus, if you notice oil puddles on the ground where you parked your car, but the engine oil light on the dashboard won’t flash, you’re probably dealing with an overfilled engine. Also, when pouring new oil into the engine, you may have caused some spillage, which may have resulted in oil stains or puddles on the engine exterior. To address the problem, extract any excess oil using the dipstick and clean up the spilled oil on the engine using a rag. Conclusion Now that you’re aware of the top causes of oil leaks, try your best to avoid them. If you still face any leaks or require an oil change, bring your car to M & R Automotive today!