If you’ve noticed that your car is leaking oil when parked, it’s important to address the issue as soon as possible. Oil leaks can lead to serious damage to your engine, and can even cause your car to break down completely. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common causes of oil leaks in parked cars, and provide some tips on how to prevent them.
Ways to diagnose oil leakage in car
Check the ground: The first step to diagnosing an oil leak is to check the ground where your car is parked. Look for any puddles or stains on the ground, especially near the front of the car. If you see a dark, oily stain, it’s likely that your car is leaking oil.
Check the amount of oil: Wait for the engine to cool down before parking your vehicle on a level surface. Locate the oil dipstick by opening the hood. Pull the dipstick out and use a cotton cloth to clean it. Then, put the dipstick back in and take it out again.
Look for signs of oil on the engine: If you can’t find any oil stains on the ground, another way to diagnose an oil leak is to look for signs of oil on the engine itself. Look for areas of the engine that are covered in oil or appear wet with oil. Pay particular attention to the valve covers, oil filter, and oil pan. If you see any signs of oil in these areas, it’s likely that your car is leaking oil.
Inspect the gaskets and seals: Gaskets and seals are important components of your car’s engine and are designed to prevent oil from leaking out. Over time, however, these gaskets and seals can wear down and become less effective, allowing oil to leak out of your car’s engine. Inspect the gaskets and seals for signs of wear or damage, such as cracks or bulges. If you notice any issues with the gaskets or seals, it’s likely that your car is leaking oil.
Check Exhaust smoke: If your car is leaking oil, you may notice blue/grey colour smoke or burning smells coming from your engine. This can be a sign that the oil is leaking onto hot engine components, causing it to burn and produce blue smoke.
There are several potential causes of oil leaks in parked cars, including:
Worn gaskets or seals: Gaskets and seals are important components of your car’s engine, and are designed to prevent oil from leaking out. Over time, however, these gaskets and seals can wear down and become less effective, allowing oil to leak out of your car’s engine. Common gaskets and seals that may wear down and cause leaks include valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets, and rear main seals.
Loose or damaged oil drain plugs: The oil drain plug is a small, threaded bolt located at the bottom of your car’s oil pan. It’s used to drain the oil during oil changes. If the plug is loose or damaged, oil can leak out of your car’s engine.
Cracked or damaged oil pans: The oil pan is a metal container that holds the oil in your car’s engine. If the oil pan becomes cracked or damaged, oil can leak out of your car’s engine and onto the ground.
Overfilled oil levels: If you add too much oil to your car’s engine, it can cause the oil to overflow and leak out of your car’s engine. This can be a common issue for those who perform their own oil changes.
Extreme temperatures: Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can cause the metal components of your car’s engine to expand and contract, which can lead to cracks and other damage. This damage can result in oil leaks when your car is parked.
Here are some tips on how to prevent oil leaks in parked cars:
Have your car’s gaskets and seals inspected regularly: Regular inspections of your car’s gaskets and seals can help catch issues before they become serious problems. A mechanic can check the condition of your gaskets and seals, and make recommendations for any necessary repairs or replacements.
Tighten your oil drain plug: If you change your own oil, make sure to tighten the oil drain plug securely to prevent leaks. If you take your car to a mechanic for oil changes, make sure to ask them to check the condition of the drain plug during each oil change.
Avoid overfilling your oil levels: When adding oil to your car’s engine, make sure to add the recommended amount listed in your owner’s manual. Overfilling can cause the oil to overflow and leak out of your car’s engine.
Keep your engine at a consistent temperature: Extreme temperatures can cause damage to your car’s engine, which can lead to oil leaks. Try to keep your engine at a consistent temperature by avoiding harsh driving conditions and using a quality engine oil.
Park your car on a level surface: Parking your car on a level surface can help prevent oil leaks. If your car is parked on an incline or decline, the oil can pool in certain areas of your engine, leading to leaks.
If your car is leaking oil when parked, it’s important to get it checked out by a mechanic as soon as possible. Ignoring the problem can lead to engine failure.
