What’s something you look for but hope to never see? Sounds like a children’s riddle, but since the answer is “a car leaking oil,” this is most definitely not fun and games! Engine oil can leak while you’re driving, but a dark puddle of liquid under your car is more noticeable than fluid dripping on the road while moving. However, if you discover this issue, you’re probably wondering, “Why is oil leaking from my car?”
Common Causes of Oil Leaks
Let’s look at a few common causes of leaking oil.
Gasket Troubles
Gaskets seal the surfaces between different components of the engine. The gaskets can degrade over time and can wear out and become brittle. When this happens, they can’t perform as they were designed to, and motor oil leaks can occur.
Damaged Oil Pan
An oil pan is a storage area for oil when your engine isn’t running. When rough road surfaces, debris, or corrosion damage the oil pan, it can cause oil leaks.
Loose Drain Plug
The drain plug attached to the oil pan allows oil to drain from the engine. If the plug becomes loose or its seal is worn or damaged, the engine oil can leak.
Faulty Valve Seals or Piston Rings
Is blue smoke coming from the exhaust? This can be a sign of an internal engine oil leak, too. The problem is likely a faulty valve stem seal or piston oil control ring. When working properly:
Valve seals help prevent oil from leaking uncontrolled through the valve guides
Piston oil control rings provide lubrication control between the pistons and cylinder walls
Blue smoke may indicate that the valve seals or piston rings are allowing oil to leak into the engine’s combustion chamber.
Oil Filter Issues
An oil filter filters contaminants and debris to help keep the engine oil clean. Over time, an oil filter can corrode and rupture, which can cause oil leaks. An oil filter that’s improperly installed, incompatible with your vehicle, or has a defective seal can also lead to leaks.
Oil Filler Cap Problems
If the oil filler cap on your engine is loose, damaged, or missing, oil can easily splash out, especially when driving.
Signs Your Car Is Leaking Oil
Spotting an oil leak early can save you from expensive repairs and a lot of stress. Here are some telltale signs your car might be leaking oil:
Oil Spots Under the Vehicle
Ever noticed dark, greasy spots on your driveway or in your garage? That’s a classic sign of an oil leak. These car fluid leak colors usually show up where you park and can be a big clue that your vehicle needs attention.
Burning Smell
If you catch a strong burning smell while driving or after you’ve parked, it could be oil dripping onto hot engine parts, like the exhaust. While small leaks might only cause smoke and a strong odor, leaving them unaddressed could lead to a fire hazard, so fix the leak as soon as you can.
Low Oil Levels
Are you adding oil more often than usual? If so, it might not just be your engine using it up. A slow oil leak could be to blame. Checking your oil level regularly with the dipstick can help you spot this early.
Warning Lights on the Dashboard
Your vehicle’s oil warning light is there for a reason. If it comes on, immediately find a safe place to pull over, shut off your engine, check your oil level, and inspect for potential leaks. Ignoring this warning could lead to serious engine damage over time.
Stop By Your Local Jiffy Lube for Oil Change Services
Staying on top of regular maintenance is one of the best ways to prevent oil leaks and help keep your vehicle running smoothly. At Jiffy Lube®, trained technicians provide services tailored to your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations and your driving habits.
With the Jiffy Lube oil change service, you’ll get more than just an oil change. Our team of professionals will also clean, inspect, and check key components of your vehicle to ensure everything’s in great shape.
When the service is complete, we’ll either place a reminder sticker on your windshield or reset your vehicle’s oil life monitor so you’re ready for the road ahead. Trust Jiffy Lube to help keep your vehicle in excellent condition and give you one less thing to worry about.
NOTE: Not all services are offered at all Jiffy Lube service centers. Please call ahead or check jiffylube.com to ensure the service is available at the Jiffy Lube location near you.
Related Resources
How Often Should You Change Your Oil?
Motor oil maintenance isn't what it used to be—times are changing fast. While the old advice was to change your oil every three months or 3,000 miles, modern vehicles and improved oil formulations have ...
How To Check Oil In A Car
Many drivers are unsure about checking oil level. If you want to learn how, you’ve come to the right place. After all, Jiffy Lube® services thousands of vehicles every day with the Jiffy Lube Signature ...
How Much is An Oil Change? And Other FAQs
Today’s vehicles deliver more performance than ever, as each year’s models bring new features for safety and convenience. (Wireless phone charging, anyone?) But your vehicle is still a complex machine ...