Car Leaking Oil When Parked: Why And How To Fix This Annoying Issue?

You drive out of the garage and discover a black spot that wasn’t there earlier. Oh, dear. You have a car leaking oil when parked. Not only is this a red flag that your vehicle has some problems, but you also have engine oil streaks to prove it. If you find yourself in the same story, do not panic! Driverevolve is here to help. 

Our team will help you identify the problem triggering your oil leaks, how to handle it, and make sure your car is back to its best!

Car Leaking Oil When Parked: Identifying The Problem 

In a few cases, it might be due to deteriorated motor valves or oil seals. These parts might deteriorate after a while, but more often than not, if you notice leakages when parked, it’s since you use old, dirty oil—possibly because you haven’t changed your oil in a long time.  

However, if you’ve just had an oil change, the problem might be:

Impaired Oil Gaskets or Pans

Because they are under your motor, debris and dirt can quickly affect your car’s oil tanks and seals. Harsh terrain can even create a hole, causing an oil pan spill. 

Meanwhile, the gasket on the pan frequently wears out quickly or becomes broken, inducing an oil gasket leak.

Incorrect Screwing

It is possible that you fitted one of the valves incorrectly. This usually occurs when the oil pan or valve top seal is too tight. Another cause may be an improperly attached oil filter, as motor oil runs continually through it, and when it’s unsecured, a leak occurs.

Poor Rings or Valve Seals

Dripping rings or poor valve covers might also contribute to oil leakage in your vehicle. However, if you cannot find any openings in your valves, the oil can not reach outside the motor and will be burnt up in the ignition chamber, so you can not detect it.

No matter what the underlying reason is, it is critical to fix an oil leak as soon as possible; either bring your car to the nearest store or deal with it yourself if you can. 

If you leave the problem unsolved, you may notice the stench of charred oil, accompanied by blue fumes and, eventually, severe engine damage. Thus, do not put off dealing with this problem.

How To Fix An Oil Leak In A Car

After you’ve completed the checkup, it’s time to get your hands to work and explore how to deal with cars’ oil leakage. 

Although a few oil leakages involve costly fixes, in most cases, you can address the problem in your garage or driveway at a meager cost.

Here are the 2 main ways of addressing an oil leak.

Using An Additive To Stop The Leak

Using a stop leak solution or a high mileage oil mixture is among the simplest and most effective methods to handle oil gasket leaks at home.

These chemicals can soften and treat your vehicle’s rubber gaskets, allowing you to halt and avoid future leakage. It might require several kilometers of driving to plug the leak properly.

Note: Before utilizing a stop leak, you should strive to address the leak by changing your oil gaskets if that’s where the problem lies.

Fixing The Problem With Tools

Following that, you’ll learn how to handle an oil pan leak and other oil leak problems. 

You only need simple tools, a torque screwdriver, a car lift, stands, or ramps. Firstly, carefully lift the vehicle to gain access to the oil pan.

Examine the oil pan for any loosened screws. Such fasteners might loosen over a long time, and loosened fasteners leak. Secure all of the screws on the oil pan before moving on to the belt tensioner cover and valve caps.

Remember that specific vehicle variants require you to fasten screws in a particular order and to a specified tolerance level. For further details, read your user handbook or maintenance guidebook.

Once you have completed all the steps, it is time to put it all to the test. Fill your oil tank with around a quart of oil. After that, you should start the vehicle with its hood open.

While your vehicle is operating, inspect the top of the motor. Notice whether oil is seeping from the gaskets or the oil tank and whether the engine smokes or not. 

After a few minutes, drive the automobile about 10 meters from where it was initially parked. Examine the parking area for any oil leakage. If you still notice an oil leak, you need to go over everything and test the tightness of your screws.

FAQs 

Is An Oil Leak Worth Repairing?

Inadequate oil level caused by a leak is among the fastest ways to incur severe motor damages and impose a hefty service charge. 

Because oil leaks can be pretty detrimental, the expense of fixing them is nearly always justified to ensure that your vehicle continues to work and does not leave you on a deserted highway or even worse.

How Much Does It Cost To Fix An Oil Leak? 

There is no exact number but most of the time, the cost will be from $100 to $2,000. The oil leak repair cost will vary depending on whether the leak is severe or slight since several methods are available. It also relies on the car model, motor, and leak area.

Can I Still Drive With An Oil Leak?

Yes.

It is usually best not to drive if your car suffers from an oil leak; however, short routes of under 5 kilometers are not as harmful in depleting your oil levels to a warning stage.

Wrapping Up 

Car leaking oil when parked is one problem that you can’t afford to overlook. And it is not always necessary to book a service to pinpoint the cause of engine oil leakage. A little attention can give clues; just don’t set the problem aside; otherwise, your motor will suffer severe damages that could cost even more.

Hopefully, today’s article has helped you understand a few common causes of car oil leaks and easy methods to solve the problem at home. For more car-related topics, check our Fun Autopart section! Off we go!