Engine Oil: Why it’s critical for your car’s health
Engine oil is the lifeblood of the engine in your car. It lubricates internal components, reduces friction, cools the engine, and protects the moving parts from becoming worn out. But when there is probably a slight leakage, it will result in engine oil level reductions from time to time, which will eventually expose the vehicle to intensive mechanical wear and tear.
Oil leaks can be attributed to various factors, such as worn-out gaskets, loose seals, or a lack of maintenance. In some cases, the leak is external and observable under the vehicle. In other cases, it is internal, escaping through the combustion chamber and exiting with the blue smoke from the exhaust.
That is what makes spotting oil leakage early very important, both for the health and safety of the vehicle. Oil leaks can cause poor fuel efficiency, overheating, or full engine seizure if the oil drops too low, so early detection is crucial.
Let us take a magnifying glass to the main causes behind car engine oil leaks.
Major causes of engine oil leaks
Oil leakage in engines primarily results from old components that have been neglected due to a lack of maintenance or mishandling during installation. Here are the most common reasons:
Damaged or worn-out gaskets
The gasket fills the space between two engine parts and prevents oil leakage. Due to heat and pressure, these gaskets can age, weaken, or crack. The valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and head gasket are common culprits of leaks when they become weak and allow oil to escape, especially as the engine heats up.
Loose or damaged oil filter
An oil filter removes dirt and debris from engine oil. Oil leaks from its base point: the oil filler cap hasn't been properly tightened during an oil change, or it is due to worn threads. Leaks also result from some poor-quality and incompatible filters.
Flawed oil pan or drain plug
This pot, located just beneath the bottom of the engine, serves as a holding vessel for engine oil. Banging into a speed bump or something similar on the road can punch a hole in the pan or loosen the drain plug, causing oil to start dripping onto the ground below. By over-tightening or cross-threading the drain plug, the threads can break, allowing a leak to develop at any time thereafter.
Worn-out seals
Many seals are present in the engine, including front and rear crankshaft seals, which prevent oil leakage. Any heat exposure mixed with dirt causes these seals to shrink or harden, making them susceptible to thin but continuous leaks that worsen with time.
Excess engine pressure
Oil leaks can sometimes be a symptom of pressure developing inside the engine. For instance, a blocked Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve can create increased internal pressure within the system and force oil through weak points like seals and gaskets. This not only introduces a leak but can, in some cases, hurt the performance of the engine.
Incorrect oil change or overfilling
Generally, when the oil level in your car exceeds the proper range, the excessive pressure pushes oil out through seals or the breather system. Similarly, using the incorrect oil viscosity (too thin or too thick) will prevent the oil from staying in the engine and will, therefore, cause oil leaks.
Engine wear and tear
Old engines with ageing and corroding parts form small gaps that allow small amounts of oil to trickle through. Routine servicing may delay this process, but eventually, wear will always happen, at which point oil will surely leak.
Common signs of engine oil leaks
Discovering an oil leak sooner rather than later could save you from hefty service bills in the long run when it comes to costly repairs and breakdowns. Here are a few sure telltale signs that your car might be losing oil:
Oil spots beneath your vehicle
This is the most blatant indicator. You will see dark brown or black splotches where your car was parked, and then it is time to check your engine. Usually, such pooling is at the front of the car, indicating an oil pan or possibly a gasket or seal that is leaking.
Burning smell of oil
When oil leaks, it drips into a hot engine part, usually the exhaust manifold and produces a very strong burning smell inside or around your car. Ignoring this odour can lead to inhaling smoke fumes when the leak advances.
Smoke: blue or brown
Blue smoke coming from the tailpipe usually indicates some internal oil leakage, meaning the oil is consumed or goes to the combustion chamber and is burned along with the air-fuel mixture. This is a very serious problem requiring professional attention immediately.
Low oil level or frequent top-ups
If you find out that your engine oil level is going down much faster than usual, with no apparent external leaks, there might be an internal leak somewhere. Keep an eye on that dipstick and oil indicator light.
An overheated engine
Since engine oil also works as a lubricant, low levels can cause overheating. If the temperature gauge is higher than normal, it can also indicate insufficient lubrication due to oil leakage.
Oil warning light on dashboard
The sensors, which are present in modern cars, notify you of low oil pressure or levels. If the oil warning light glows, you need to stop and check the problem before proceeding.
How to prevent oil leaks
Minor oil leaks may not seem very alarming, but a delay in repair can severely damage your car's engine. Here are some workable methods of repairing or preventing oil leaks:
Find the leakage point
The final place to inspect is the engine, which is underneath the car and engine compartment. Degrease the engine to remove the old oil residue. Run the car for a few minutes, and then check where fresh oil appears on the outside, usually around the gasket, filter, or oil pan, so you can identify the source properly.
Replace broken gaskets and seals
An effective long-term solution in this situation is to replace the old gasket or seal with a new one. To ensure a perfect fit, use only manufacturer-recommended parts designed for the product.
Tighten all the loose bits
Check the oil filter, drain plug, and bolts. Do not overtighten, as this often makes the problem worse. If you are unsure of the torque levels, check your car's service manual or consult with a qualified mechanic.
Clean the PCV valve
When PCV valves become clogged, there is a bigger chance of creating excess internal engine pressure, which may result in leaks. PCV should be cleaned or changed during service conditions to ensure proper pressure regulation and prevent oil escape.
Use quality engine oil
In addition to all this, using the correct oil grade (engine oil and transmission oil) and brand, as specified by the manufacturer, can make a big difference. High-quality oils maintain viscosity at very high temperatures and pressures, leading to a lower chance of leaking.
Regular Maintenance
Servicing your car regularly ensures that the engine components are in optimum condition. Checking gaskets, seals, and oil levels, as well as having them thoroughly checked regularly, can be part of this. Early detection will prevent minor leaks from becoming major issues.
For a stress-free solution, you can choose ACKO Drive service centres. With easy online booking via the ACKO app or ACKO Drive website, we’ll take care of everything, from doorstep pickup to a thorough inspection using only original parts.
Oil stop leak additives (short-term fix)
If you can't see a mechanic immediately, use Oil Stop Leak. It will help minimise small leaks by activating rubber seals. It should be considered a short-term solution and not a permanent repair.
Conclusion
A small inconvenience in an oil leak would reveal everything beneath the surface, requiring significant attention. Keeping the car regularly in shape, using high-quality oil, and responding to the first signs of danger will mostly prevent the engine from serious damage in the long run.
Be it a loose plug or a faulty gasket, the sooner you fix it, the more it will save you from incurring more drastic expenses, all while ensuring the smooth running of your car’s engine. Never ignore the smallest oil spots; your car's health and safety depend on it.
Frequently asked questions
