It’s a sight that every vehicle owner has probably seen at one time or other – a little puddle of something oily pooling under their vehicle.
Assuming it is oil, then it’s a problem that cannot be ignored. Oil is the stuff that keeps an engine running smoothly – it is the lubricant that ensures all those moving metallic parts work together seamlessly and smoothly. Without it, those same parts will grind against each other resulting in catastrophic damage and a wallet-busting repair bill.
Using the right high-quality oil, in the right amount, and replacing it with a fresh oil from time to time (at least to the manufacturer’s specs) is a vital maintenance task for every vehicle owner. And if a leak should be spotted, a trip to the local mechanic should be high on the list of priorities.
WHAT’S THE CAUSE OF THE LEAK?
There are a host of reasons why a vehicle may spring an oil leak, and that is the main argument for bringing in a professional to diagnose the problem. Having a guess and getting it wrong means trouble will not be far behind.
The most likely culprits for a leak are holes in gaskets, bad oil seals, or perhaps a hole in the oil sump – that’s the ‘pan’ that sits under the engine and in which the oil sits when it is not circulating through the engine.
Sometimes, there may be an oil leak but no suspicious puddling under the car. In this case, the symptoms would be the smell of burning oil and/or blue smoke coming from the exhaust. The oil has likely leaked into the engine’s combustion chamber and is being burnt along with the fuel in the cylinders. The piston rings or valve seals may well be at fault here.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
As soon as you spot a leak, smell burning oil or the oil warning light comes up on the dash, get a qualified mechanic to diagnose the problem. With luck, the issue is a minor one and can be fixed relatively swiftly and at a reasonable cost.
As with most things, prevention is better than cure. Making sure the vehicle is serviced regularly at the manufacturer’s scheduled intervals should ensure that any potential problems are spotted and rectified.
A service will always involve an oil change, but regularly examining the oil level outside of the scheduled service intervals is sensible. A check of the dipstick takes only a few seconds and if done every few days can keep you informed not only as to whether the oil needs topping up but also, if that topping up is a regular requirement, that there is something amiss.
CAN A VEHICLE BE DRIVEN IF IT HAS AN OIL LEAK?
It probably can, but shouldn’t. A slow leak may mean the oil can be topped up every few days but doing that just ignores the underlying problem, and that will almost certainly be a problem that will get worse and more expensive to fix.
The right course of action is to take the vehicle to a qualified mechanic, identify the problem and get the repair done straight away.
WANT TO LEARN MORE?
MTA Queensland’s Vehicle Maintenance course is designed for those who are interested in gaining valuable information and learning good practices for everyday vehicle use. The result: a safer journey with fewer breakdowns and repairs. If you have ever wanted to learn how to carry out preventative maintenance, then this course is for you.
23 April 2020
Please note the information contained on this page is general in nature and does not take into account your specific needs or circumstances. You should consider whether the information is appropriate to your needs, and where appropriate, seek professional advice.