Three Common Reasons Cars Leak Oil In Dayton, Ohio

Technician checking an engine bay on a Toyota Prius during routine maintenance inspection

How to Identify and Fix Common Causes of Oil Leaks

Nobody likes walking out of the house to find a puddle of oil under their car. Oil leaks not only stain driveways, but are a sign of other problems with your engine. If not addressed quickly, oil leaks can lead to long-term damage or more costly repairs. In this article, we will cover several of the most common causes of oil leaks in your vehicle. At Jamie’s Tire & Service in Dayton, Ohio, we have helped thousands of customers keep their vehicles running smoothly, including repairing oil leaks. If you need a mechanic near you in Fairborn, Beavercreek, Xenia, Kettering, or Dayton, our 7 stores are here to help!

Most Common Reasons for an Oil Leak

Oil Leaks from Worn or Damaged Gaskets and Seals

The Gaskets and seals on your car, typically made of rubber compounds, aluminum, and steel, help keep the fluids in your engine. Gaskets deteriorate over time due to heat, cold, and age. When the gasket breaks down, it cannot contain the oil and other fluids in your engine and will begin to leak.

Common Types of Gasket Failures

Valve cover gasket leaks
Oil pan gasket leaks
Camshaft Seal leaks
Rear Main Seal Leaks
Oil Pump gasket leaks

These gaskets reach extreme temperatures and naturally wear out over time. A faulty valve cover gasket will cause oil to seep out of the top of your engine, while an oil pan gasket leak will originate from the lower portion. Regular inspections at each oil change will help to catch these leaks when they start and prevent issues from low oil levels in the future. Whether it's a single gasket causing a leak, or multiple points where an engine needs a major overhaul, we are here to help you keep your engine running smooth and free of oil leaks.

Oil Leaking from Damaged or Corroded Parts

The oil pan and oil lines on your engine are responsible for holding and transporting oil where it is needed. At times, these components can be damaged by impact from objects on the road or corrosion over time. If you have a damaged oil line or oil pan, the oil in your engine will quickly leak out, and you should not drive the vehicle until it can be repaired. Many vehicles have a low oil warning light. If this light pops up on your dash, you should shut the vehicle off as soon as possible to avoid long-term damage to the engine.

Oil Dripping from Faulty Oil Filters

The oil filter in your engine is responsible for removing debris from the oil as it is circulated. Oil can leak from around the filter and housing if it is not properly tightened or has a faulty gasket. If you notice an oil leak, it’s important to have it checked as soon as possible. Sometimes, filters are not tightened properly or not screwed onto the housing straight. These are normally simple fixes and can be resolved by reinstalling the filter or replacing it with a new one. The oil filters we use at Jamie’s Tire & Service are quality, reliable Valvoline filters designed to meet and exceed your engine's needs, and rarely have the quality issues you may experience with a cheaper filter. When it’s time to have your oil changed, our technicians are highly trained and understand how to remove and reinstall oil filters and drain plugs to avoid leaks.

How To Get An Oil Leak Fixed In Dayton, Ohio

Signs of an Oil Leak on Your Car

If you see oil dripping under your car or see a low oil warning light on your dash, give our team at Jamie’s Tire & Service in Dayton, Ohio a call. We’d be happy to help diagnose the cause of the leak and show you the best options for repair. Our team will help identify if the leak is oil, or one of the many other fluids in your vehicle. Oil leaks can lead to much bigger problems, but we are here to walk with you through every step of the process and keep your vehicle running as it should.

How We Diagnose Oil Leaks

While some oil leaks can be easily identified, others require a degrease and dye procedure where the engine bay is thoroughly cleaned before adding a UV dye to the oil. This dye glows under a black light and helps mechanics locate the source of slower oil leaks in your engine. Once the dye has been added and the vehicle, our technicians can pinpoint exactly where the leak is coming from.

Get Your Oil Leak Fixed Today!

Time to have your vehicle’s oil leak checked? Give the experienced mechanics at Jamie’s Tire & Service in Fairborn, Beavercreek, Xenia, or Dayton a call! We’d be happy to find a time to inspect the vehicle and determine what is needed to repair your leaking engine. We are Dayton’s Trusted Auto Repair Experts and have been serving our communities for over 50 years. We'd love to work with you to keep your car on the road and running smoothly.

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