Have you ever seen oil streaks on your garage floor or driveway? If so, your car may be experiencing an oil leak. Car oil leaks are a prevalent issue that may result in several problems, including engine failure. Understanding the primary causes of oil leaks, how oil works in your car, and how long you may drive with an oil leak are crucial. Thus, let us look.
The time you can drive with an oil leak depends on how bad it is. It is advised to stop driving your automobile immediately and have a repair inspect it if the oil level is low. You may be capable of driving for a short distance if the oil leak is small and the oil level is still enough, but it is always advisable to have it examined as soon as possible.
What Roles Does Oil Play in a Car?
So, you probably already know this, but just in case, let us review. Oil is essential for your car’s engine because it lubricates the moving components and lowers friction. Collecting heat and transferring it away from the engine’s internal components aids in keeping the engine cool. Moreover, oil aids in clearing the engine of dirt and debris, avoiding accumulation that can harm the engine.
Major Reasons for Oil Leaks
Gaskets and seals that are damaged or worn
Essential engine parts that stop oil from spilling out are gaskets and seals. They may grow brittle and worn out over time, cracking and breaking. Consequently, the oil may leak from the valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and front and rear main seals, among other places in the engine.
Damaged or loose oil drain plug
During an oil change, the oil drain plug empties the engine’s used oil. It might result in oil leaks if it is broken or improperly placed. Oil seeping out slowly due to loose or broken oil drain plugs might result in low oil levels and possible engine damage.
Overfilled Oil Level
The oil may overflow and leak from different engine components if the oil level is too high. The wrong oil change procedure or a broken oil pressure sensor are also potential causes of overfilling.
Cracked Oil Pan
Oil is kept in the oil pan, shielding the engine’s bottom from foreign objects. Its deterioration or cracking might result in oil dripping from the engine’s base. This may result in running over a huge pothole or colliding with a curb.
Bad Oil Filter
While the oil flows through the engine, the oil filter collects debris and dirt from the oil. If the oil filter is clogged or broken, the oil may back up and spill. Moreover, a defective oil filter may make the engine work harder, lower its efficiency, and increase its risk of overheating.
Worn Piston Rings
The combustion chamber must be sealed to keep oil from entering. This is done via piston rings. Blue smoke from the exhaust pipe might result from oil leaking into the combustion chamber if the piston rings are old or broken.
How long can a car be driven while having an oil leak?
The time you may continue to drive your automobile with an oil leak depends on how bad the leak is and how much oil is still in your car. It is strongly advised to stop driving the automobile immediately and have a professional inspect it if the oil level is low.
Operating the engine with insufficient oil may seriously harm it, necessitating costly repairs or failure. Avoiding going more than 10 miles is advisable, but it depends on how much oil is in your car. It is a good idea to stop periodically and top up your oil if you must drive your vehicle despite a slight oil leak.
You may be able to drive your vehicle a short distance, such as to a local mechanic or repair shop, if the oil leak is modest and the oil level is still enough. Therefore, it is important to monitor and often check the oil level. It is better to stop driving and get the automobile inspected by a professional as soon as you detect a significant reduction in the oil level.
What May Happen if I Keep Driving If I Have an Oil Leak
Driving without oil may seriously harm your engine and should never be done. Oil is necessary for the engine to keep its moving components lubricated and shielded from metal-to-metal contact, which may lead to friction and heat buildup. The engine may soon overheat and seize without oil, causing significant damage or total failure.
You cannot travel very far if you try to drive without oil, and the engine is likely to stall or quit entirely. Driving without oil has the potential to harm engines, and it may also result in a citation or ticket for pollution. Legal repercussions may result from an oil spill that harms the environment by poisoning groundwater or damaging streams.
How to Inspect Your Car for Oil Leaks
Oil leak detection is a crucial component of vehicle maintenance. If you see oil stains on your garage floor or driveway, you could have an oil leak. How to look for oil leaks is as follows:
- Let your car sit in a level area for at least an hour to cool down. Doing this may make you confident that the oil has settled and get a more accurate result.
- Find the oil dipstick by opening the hood. Take it out, clean it with a towel, and put it back in. Check the oil level after that and take it out one more. That can indicate a leak if the oil level is low.
- Check the engine for any indications of oil leaks. For a clearer view of the engine, use a torch. Check the engine, hoses, and belts for any oil streaks or spots. Moreover, look for any evidence of wear or damage in the front and rear main seals, oil pan gasket, and valve cover gasket.
- Examine the drain plug and oil filter. Ensure sure they are firmly fastened. Oil leaks might be brought on by loose or broken oil filters or drain plugs.
- Run the engine for a few minutes after starting it. After that, shut off the engine and look for any indications of an oil leak in the engine compartment.
Expense of Repair
The cost of fixing an oil leak may vary based on several variables, including the leak’s location and intensity, the kind of equipment or vehicle it affects, and the repair required.
Fixing a modest oil leak, such as a leaky oil drain plug or valve cover gasket, may only cost between $50 and $200. It may cost substantially more to fix a leak if it is more serious, such as an oil pan or front seal leak, which can cost anywhere from $500 to $1500 or more.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if an oil leak in a car is not fixed, it might result in serious damage. Understanding the primary causes of oil leaks, how oil works in your car, and how to check for leaks are vital. The time you may continue to drive with an oil leak depends on how bad the leak is and how much oil is still in your car. Driving with an oil leak might result in engine failure and perhaps legal repercussions.
