Did you notice a puddle or maybe a few drops of oil on the ground where you parked your car? That can spell trouble for you, and I don’t mean your wife getting mad if you didn’t clean up your driveway fast.
A major oil leak means that your car has a problem and, if you ignore it, can cause severe car issues. In short, finding the source of the leak is crucial and urgent.
This article will discuss various ways to find out what causes an oil leak, locate, and fix it.
How to Locate an Oil Leak in Your Car
#1 Identify the Oil/Fluid by Its Properties
A car uses different oils with different properties, and each has a specific place of use.
You can tell which fluid is leaking by its colour, and from that information, you’ll get a good idea of the location of the leakage. There are many ways to sense the problem. Of course, I’m assuming that you’re familiar with the different fluids that your car uses and their respective colours, thickness, or feel.
You’re not sure you know? Fear not, it’s easier with this cheat sheet.
- Engine oil is usually black.
- Coolant, aka antifreeze, can be blue, brown, gold, orange, or green depending on the supplier. It can turn rusty too. It feels like light oil when you touch it and smells sweet.
- Differential oil looks like engine oil but feels thicker.
- Automatic transmission fluid is red. You’ll also likely find the red puddle somewhere near the centre of the vehicle where you parked it.
- Power steering fluid is also red but usually changes to brown or black when used. Yes, if you only go by colours, the power steering fluid can look quite like engine oil.
- Window washer fluid is typically green or blue.
- Brake fluid is usually clear or brown, and it is sticky. You’ll notice brake fluid leakage around the wheels or just beneath the brake pedal.
#2 Check for Smoke or Any Abnormality in the Engine
If you’ve narrowed down the location to, say, an oil leak right side of the engine, it’s when you start looking for other symptoms.
You might probably notice blue smoke coming from the exhaust pipe, which suggests an oil leakage within the engine.
When driving and you smell something like burning oil, it could mean there is oil leaking onto some hot components within the engine.
A simple way to confirm engine oil leakage is by checking right under the engine. If you see classic black oil stains, then it confirms your suspicions.
#3 Check Fluid Levels
If any of the fluids have suddenly dropped, and you remember topping up not a long time ago, then you’ll have an idea where to look and what causes the car oil leaks.
#4 Use Ultraviolet (UV) Light and Fluorescent Technology
UV light can help you trace oil leak to its source, and it works for all the different oils your car uses. The trace dye is fluorescent, and when it is under the UV light, it produces a green/yellow glow. You can buy the latest kits, which are compact and have trace dyes that enhance the appearance of the stain.
#5 Apply Talcum or Baby Powder
OK, so this is low-tech. I think everyone likes low-tech especially when it means spending nothing to solve a problem. First, you’ll need to narrow down the potential leak areas, then apply talcum powder or baby powder. Wear safety glasses and a mask and keep a flashlight handy. Drive your car for about 20 minutes.
This should be enough for the leaking oil to seep through the coat of baby powder that you just applied. Then do another inspection, this time checking for that wet spot contrasting with the baby powder background. You might even locate other leaking areas where you had not applied the powder.
What Causes an Oil Leak?
Most leaks are caused by worn gaskets and seals or loose connections and valves. Of course, you should always call the pro for more complicated oil leak symptoms, but no one prevents you from doing first aid to simple leaks.
If you’re comfortable about crawling under your car or checking the parts under the hood, then now is the best time to do it. Make sure to inspect an oil leak when your car is off – go for worn-out seals, rubber hoses, degraded or displaced oil filter, and loose plugs especially near the area you suspect to be the source of the leakage.
Fixing Oil Leaks
Once you have identified possible areas of leakage, make sure to fix them or have a pro do the repairs to prevent the leaks from damaging other parts. Don’t attempt any repair if you don’t have an idea how to do it. If it’s just gasket oil leaks, nuts that need tightening, and other minor fixes, then perhaps you can do those.
#1 Replace Worn-Out Seals or Gaskets, Degraded Oil Filter
The continuous rotation of parts and high temperatures cause the gaskets and the seals to wear out, so they need to be replaced constantly.
Check the oil filter. Set it right if it’s displaced, or better yet, replace it with a new one. If it’s a broken gasket, you may want to bring your car to your trusty mechanic. You can DIY it, but you’ll need to devote time removing other components before you get to the part, so it’s up to you.
The silver lining in gasket oil leaks is that you know it’s just the gasket and not a more expensive car part that needs replacing.
#2 Double Check Your Car’s Engine Oil Filler Cap
If this lid is cracked or loose and causes the spill, then it’s an easy fix. Just buy a replacement cap that matches the part in your car and see if there’s any more spill afterwards. If none, then you can rest easy.
#3 Use Engine Oil Leak Sealant
For tiny engine oil leaks, oil leak sealant can work. Simply mix the sealant with the engine oil so that it can close the weep holes from the inside out. The sealant acts as a conditioner for seals and gaskets but does not clog the tubes and passages since it is in liquefied state.
#4 Tighten Loose Bolts or Plugs
Over time, bolts and plugs become loose, and tightening them effectively stops any leak. Be careful not to tighten them too much or you’ll break plugs that have become brittle. It’s also good practice to replace worn small parts even if they’re not the cause of the leaks because, sooner or later, they will.
#5 Take Your Car to a Mechanic
If all else fails, and the leak persists, then it’s time to call the pro.
In cases where you feel you cannot detect where the oil leaks are coming from, or if its something major like a differential leak, immediately book an appointment with a qualified mechanic to have your car inspected.
Once the mechanic has detected the oil leaks, he will advise you on the best course of action to take. Also, make sure he checks all the oil levels to ensure that your vehicle does not experience other mechanical issues.
You don’t have a go-to mechanic? Not a problem. Find a mechanic near you with our directory.
Do you want to learn more about your car or anything about cars, for that matter? Then read more articles from our Blog.