It’s easy to ignore a few drops of oil on your driveway, but that doesn’t mean it’s a good idea. If left unaddressed, a small oil leak can turn into a huge, expensive disaster. Not only that, but if the issue worsens while your vehicle is in operation, you’re putting yourself and your passengers at risk. Today we’ll be discussing the most common causes of oil leaks on your car, and what you can do to avoid them.

Damaged Gaskets or Seals
The oil pans or gaskets can easily be damaged by road debris since they’re located on the bottom of your engine. Rough roads could lead to you driving over a pothole, which in turn would cause an oil pan leak. When your car is parked, the seals and gaskets begin to cool down. The metals contract, which leaves gaps between parts. This is another common cause of an oil leak. Take your vehicle to a mechanic to see if you have a faulty gasket, pan, or seal that needs replacing.

Oil Filter or Pan
When your oil filter takes enough damage, oil can leak as it flows into the car’s engine. If not the filter, but the oil pan is damaged, it can leave a puddle of oil underneath your vehicle after you’re done driving. When navigating through lower-lying portions of the road, the pan can become dented when hit with a substantial amount of force. This can lead to a quick leak that occurs when the car is parked that slowly gets worse over time. Avoid potholes, and take your car to a mechanic at the first sign of trouble.

Oil Pan Plug
The oil pan plug can be damaged if it has stripped threads or is not properly inserted or fully tightened. If you want to provide a quick fix, the mechanism can be temporarily replaced with a rubber plug. Unfortunately, you’ll have to end up getting a full replacement with long-term materials. A permanent repair typically involves replacing the plug with a steel thread that is the correct size for the unique dimensions of your car. This fix can help with a car that is leaking oil when parked.

Damages and Dangers from Oil Leaks
Oil stains on a driveway or garage floor aren’t pleasing to the eye – and are an environmental hazard. Used motor oil is made up of a cocktail of toxic substances, and sometimes pieces of lead, zinc, and arsenic that have flaked or been shaved off the metal components of your car. If used engine oil is washed away by rain or irrigation water, these substances can seep into water or sewage systems. These contaminants eventually make their way into other waterways in the form of runoff and can be dangerous to surrounding plants and animals. Don’t let this happen. Get your car inspected at the first sign of trouble.

It’s easy to ignore a few drops of oil on your driveway, but that doesn’t mean it’s a good idea. If left unaddressed, a small oil leak can turn into a huge, expensive disaster. Not only that, but if the issue worsens while your vehicle is in operation, you’re putting yourself and your passengers at risk. Today we’ll be discussing the most common causes of oil leaks on your car, and what you can do to avoid them.

Damaged Gaskets or Seals
The oil pans or gaskets can easily be damaged by road debris since they’re located on the bottom of your engine. Rough roads could lead to you driving over a pothole, which in turn would cause an oil pan leak. When your car is parked, the seals and gaskets begin to cool down. The metals contract, which leaves gaps between parts. This is another common cause of an oil leak. Take your vehicle to a mechanic to see if you have a faulty gasket, pan, or seal that needs replacing.

Oil Filter or Pan
When your oil filter takes enough damage, oil can leak as it flows into the car’s engine. If not the filter, but the oil pan is damaged, it can leave a puddle of oil underneath your vehicle after you’re done driving. When navigating through lower-lying portions of the road, the pan can become dented when hit with a substantial amount of force. This can lead to a quick leak that occurs when the car is parked that slowly gets worse over time. Avoid potholes, and take your car to a mechanic at the first sign of trouble.

Oil Pan Plug
The oil pan plug can be damaged if it has stripped threads or is not properly inserted or fully tightened. If you want to provide a quick fix, the mechanism can be temporarily replaced with a rubber plug. Unfortunately, you’ll have to end up getting a full replacement with long-term materials. A permanent repair typically involves replacing the plug with a steel thread that is the correct size for the unique dimensions of your car. This fix can help with a car that is leaking oil when parked.

Damages and Dangers from Oil Leaks
Oil stains on a driveway or garage floor aren’t pleasing to the eye – and are an environmental hazard. Used motor oil is made up of a cocktail of toxic substances, and sometimes pieces of lead, zinc, and arsenic that have flaked or been shaved off the metal components of your car. If used engine oil is washed away by rain or irrigation water, these substances can seep into water or sewage systems. These contaminants eventually make their way into other waterways in the form of runoff and can be dangerous to surrounding plants and animals. Don’t let this happen. Get your car inspected at the first sign of trouble.