Car leaking oil: What to do now? Causes and solutions at a glance

Car leaking oil: Causes, dangers and solutions

Spots under your car can be a warning sign: Oil loss. The problem ranges from a harmless drip to a dangerous leak that can severely damage the engine and the environment. But why does a car lose oil, what causes it and what can you do to solve the problem? In this blog post, you'll find out all about the causes, dangers and repair options – and when it might be better to sell your car.

Why does a car leak oil? The most common causes

Oil loss can have many causes. These are usually defects in components or age-related wear and tear. Here are the most common causes of oil loss in detail:

1. Defective seals or valves

Gaskets, such as the valve cover gasket or the oil pan gasket, are responsible for keeping the oil in the engine. Over time, they can become porous, causing oil to leak out. Such problems are particularly common in older cars.

💡 Note: If you regularly notice oil stains under your car after a long drive or when parked, a seal is often leaking.

2. Leaking oil pan

The oil pan is located at the bottom of the engine and collects the oil when the engine is not running. Damage to the oil pan – caused by kerbs or bumps from the road, for example – can cause cracks or holes that lead to oil loss.

3. Loose screws or fasteners

After an oil change, the drain plug may not have been tightened properly. A loose oil filter can also be responsible for oil leaks. This is particularly annoying because it could often be avoided.

4. Wear on the engine

In older vehicles, worn piston rings or cylinder head gaskets can lead to internal oil loss. The oil burns in the engine and does not reach the outside – you will often notice this in the form of blue smoke from the exhaust.

5. Defective oil lines

The oil lines transport the oil through the engine. If these lines are damaged due to wear, corrosion or external influences, oil will leak out. This problem often occurs in vehicles that have been in use for years.

💡 Good to know: Some cars lose even the smallest amounts of oil that go unnoticed at first glance. However, these can add up in the long term and become a serious problem.

How dangerous is an oil leak?

Oil loss is a serious problem that you should not ignore. The consequences range from expensive repairs to danger to the environment and other road users.

1. Risk of engine damage

Engine oil has a crucial function: It lubricates the moving parts of the engine and reduces friction. If the oil is missing, overheating occurs and components such as pistons or connecting rods can be damaged. Complete engine damage is often the result.

💡 Note: Engine damage due to oil loss can cost several thousand euros – much more than repairing an oil leak.

2. Danger on the road

Oil on the road is extremely slippery. This can lead to accidents, especially with motorcycles or bicycles. If your car leaks oil, you are obliged to rectify this immediately so as not to endanger other road users.

3. Environmental damage caused by oil

Engine oil is toxic and dangerous for the environment. If it gets into the ground or the sewage system, it can contaminate the groundwater. Just a few drops of oil can pollute thousands of liters of water.

💡 Important: Anyone who does not clean up oil spills risks high fines. Therefore, oil leaks should not be taken lightly.

What to do if your car is leaking oil?

If your car is leaking oil, you should act quickly. Even a small oil leak can develop into a major problem. Here are the most important steps:

1. Check the oil level regularly

Pull out the oil dipstick and check whether the oil level is still sufficient. If not, top up with the correct engine oil immediately to protect the engine.

2. Find the cause of the oil loss

Look under the car for stains or check the engine compartment for oil-smeared components. Check for loose or damaged bolts or seals.

3. Visit a workshop

A specialist workshop can determine the exact cause of the oil loss. Leaks will be professionally repaired and wearing parts replaced.

4 Top up, but only as a temporary solution

If you cannot carry out the repair immediately, you should top up the engine oil regularly to prevent major damage. Please note that this is not a long-term solution.

5. Use collecting mats

To avoid environmental damage, you can use special oil collection mats if your car is leaking oil. These prevent the oil from seeping into the ground.

How do you recognize that your car is leaking oil?

Oil loss is not always visible at first glance. Here are signs that your car is leaking oil:

• Oil stains under the car: Clear drops or stains can be seen after parking.
• Oil indicator light: If the light comes on in the cockpit, you should check the oil level immediately.
• Blue smoke from the exhaust: This indicates burnt engine oil, which is a sign of internal oil leaks.
• Increasing oil consumption: If you have to top up oil more frequently than usual, there is probably a leak.

How much does it cost to repair an oil leak?

The cost of repair depends largely on where the oil is leaking. Here are some examples:

1. Replace seals:
   • Cost: €100 to €400, depending on the component (e.g. valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket).
2. Replace or seal the oil pan:
   • Cost: €200 to €600, depending on the severity of the damage.
3. Tighten loose screws or oil filter:
   • Cost: €20 to €50 if it is only a minor readjustment.
4. Replace oil lines:
   • Cost: €150 to €500, depending on the work involved and vehicle model.

When is a repair no longer worthwhile?

If your car is older and new problems are constantly occurring, expensive repairs can quickly add up. In such cases, it may make more sense to sell your vehicle rather than keep investing money in repairs.

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Conclusion: Take oil loss seriously and take action

Oil loss is not only annoying, it can also be dangerous and expensive. Whether due to worn seals, a damaged oil pan or internal engine damage – quick action protects the engine, other road users and the environment.

If the repair is too expensive or your car already has other problems, you can easily sell it to CashforCars.de.

This way you can have your car valued:

📞 Choose one of the contact options:

• Online: Start your free vehicle valuation on CashforCars.de by simply filling out our online form.
• Or by phone: Call us on +49 (211) 7306 1701 – we will be happy to advise you personally.
• Or by WhatsApp: Send us a WhatsApp message and we'll take care of the rest!

No matter which option you choose, we'll make sure you receive a fair offer quickly and can sell your car stress-free. Leave repair costs behind you and sell your car in just a few simple steps – with CashforCars.de! 🚗✨

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