Why is my car constantly leaking oil from the engine?

Why is my car constantly leaking oil from the engine?

It’s true that changing oil is the most important thing you can do to take care of your car. But it is something that many car owners ignore and the results of procrastination can be dire.

Also, oil leakage and losses are one of the most common reasons that drivers bring their cars in for inspection.

Sometimes it could be a tiny pinhole leak in a gasket, or a leak from a myriad of origins. However, it’s important to find the source of your car’s oil leak and diagnose it. It’s the responsibility of oil to cut down on friction within your engine. A good oil means the components of your engine are working well without rubbing together and causing corrosion. In the long run, oil becomes contaminated and loses its viscosity.

This means that your oil gets dirty. Once this happens, it loses its ability to prevent friction which means the components of your engine will literally be wearing each other down. And this will cause erosion and potentially significant mechanical failings.

So why is my car constantly leaking oil from the engine?

If you wonder why your car constantly leaking oil from the engine, below are the possible causes:

  • A Broken Seals or Gasket

Anytime your car is parked, the car engine block and the head will be hot from the heat generated while driving. Remember the metal components expand when they’re heated, which in turn, puts pressure on the seals and gaskets. Your engine seals and gaskets are meant to prevent oil from leaking. But once the engine begins to cool down, the metals contract, and leaves gaps between the seals and the metal parts.

Note that these gaps can cause an oil leakage, since there won’t be enough pressure to prevent an oil spill. Moving your car to a mechanic can help determine if it is a faulty oil gasket or anything at that.

  • A Damaged Oil Filter or Damaged Oil Pan

Either of  this can leave a puddle of oil under your car after driving. Whenever your vehicle is going over lower-lying roads, the oil pan can become dented because of the force that causes some damage. This can cause a quick leak that occurs when the car is parked which slowly gets worse over time.

  • The Oil Pan Plug Is Not In The Right Spot

The oil pan plug can be damaged if it is not properly inserted or fully tightened. For you to provide a quick fix that can temporarily replace the mechanism is a rubber plug. But over time, you will have to get a full replacement with a long-term material.

However, getting a permanent repair involves replacing the plug with a steel thread that is unique to your car. Note that this fix can help remedy a car that is leaking oil when parked.

  • A Blown Head Gasket or Engine Block Seals

Anytime you drive an older car, a blown head gasket could be the reason for oil leaking from your car.  Meaning it could cause the oil to leak from the top of the engine block.

However, if you’re driving a car without enough amount of coolant, this can cause the engine to overheat. Note that an overheated engine can cause the head of the cylinder to warp out of the correct shape. And this can cause the head gasket to leak. However, if you live in a cold-weather climate, your engine can freeze without enough antifreeze in your car.

  • An Incorrect Installations

One other reason can be the improper attachment of the oil filter. Meaning as the engine oil flows continuously through it, and if it’s loose, you can experience a leak there.

Other Possible Causes for Oil Leaks

Even with the above possibilities, you could keep in mind these common sources of oil worries:

The oil level. Once you notice oil on the ground and your dipstick reads more than full, you’ve overfilled the engine.

A spills. Once you’re noticing oil on the ground but aren’t seeing any lost oil from your dipstick, it could be that some oil got spilled and you’re just noticing the remaining oil that’s still dripping down off your engine.

Here is how to prevent car constantly leaking oil from the engine 

  • Change Your Oil More Often

A regularly changing of your oil will allow you to ensure that everything is running smoothly. So ensure to check the oil filter, it’s imperative in oil’s quality, and can cause a leak if it’s misaligned. Examine the oil pan, filler cap, and drain plug to ensure they are all in good condition and working properly.

  • Your Car Oil Type 

Note that some brands of oil contain extra ingredients that prevent leaks from occurring due to old and worn-out gaskets.

  • A Leak Stopping Additives

Buying an oil that has leak-stopping properties that can soften the seals and stop small leaks is vital. Although this isn’t a long-term solution, but it’s good for stopping small leaks in a short time period.

 

Conclusion on why is my car constantly leaking oil from the engine

Remember, oil leakage and losses are one of the most common reasons car owners bring their cars in for inspection. And it’s important to find the source of your car’s oil leakage and diagnose it immediately.