Any responsible car owner will tell you to have your oil and water as often as you have your petrol tank filled. However, even with these regular checks outside of your annual vehicle service, you may begin to find mysterious oil leaks beneath your car as you pull out of your garage in the morning. We look at the top causes for oil leaks and what you can do to protect the longevity of your engine.
Top Reasons Why Cars Leak Oil
Degraded gaskets
This is undoubtedly the most common cause for oil leaks. The higher the mileage on the car, the more likely you are to find that mystery puddle under your car. The valve gasket is what joins your car’s the engine block and oil pan. Over time, this seal struggles with withstand the increasing pressure. This can lead to leaks and failures as sludge (the oil that breaks down over time) builds up around this part of the engine.
Damaged oil pan or oil filter
One of the key engine parts that are replaced at car services is the oil filter and this is for good reason. If your oil filter is damaged, the oil can leak as it passes straight through the filter and flows into the car’s engine. If your filter is still fine, the problem may lie in the oil pan. An oil pan is among those engine parts that can fall victim to potholes. If it takes enough hits, an oil pan can dent enough to start a small leak, which could become worse over time.
Broken connections and seals
If various engine parts aren’t properly fitted or some other shortcut was taken in the workshop, should it be a surprise when things start falling apart? This can take the form of oil pan plugs not being properly inserted or fully tightened. While there are some quick fixes that can be taken, it’s best to get a full replacement with long-term materials. This is yet another part that would be replaced at a vehicle service.
Similar to the weak connection with the oil pan, there is also the problem with blown gaskets or weak engine block seal. A lack of coolant in the engine can cause the engine to overheat, which in turn can warp the head of the cylinder and lead to a gasket leak. And the engine block seals? Well, they’re made of rubber, a material which easily decomposes over time.
How A Service Plan Can Prevent Leaks And Extend Your Car’s Life
Get in the know about what sort of oil your car needs to keep it in top. Having the right oil in your engine can help prevent that build-up of sludge, which damages your oil filter among other components. You can even find car oil that has leak-stopping properties, which can slow down small leaks for a short time.
Apart from keeping your engine well-lubricated, maintaining your car’s manufacturer’s service plan goes even further in preventing pesky oil leaks and other engine wear and tear. Get some car service plan insurance quotes so you can enjoy the ride of your life!