How to Check and Repair Engine Oil Leaks

It is normal for the engine oil level to slightly decrease. But if it decreases quickly, then there could be an oil leakage. To check the engine oil level, open the bonnet and inspect the dipstick (it usually has an orange or a red cover at the top). 

What should you do If you find the engine oil level lower than usual? This guide will teach you on how to check for oil leaks, potential causes, and their repairs.

How to Check for Engine Oil Leaks

If you look underneath your car and confirm that there is a leak, you must determine whether whatever is leaking is the engine oil or something else. Different fluids such as engine coolant, transmission oil, wiper fluid, brake fluid, and power steering oil are found in cars. It is easier to distinguish oil from water. Oil is thicker and feels sticky when touched. Also, oil does not evaporate easily–water can easily dry off due to the heat of the engine.

However, you can’t easily tell whether the leaking oil is the engine oil and not the transmission or power steering oil at a glance. In such a case, you can try locating the source of the oil leak. For example, if it comes from the side where the gearbox is located, then that is the transmission oil. If it is leaking from the engine side, then it is the engine oil.

Repairing Engine Oil Leaks

The most common causes of engine oil leaks are worn-out gaskets, damaged seals and damaged oil pans (oil sumps). To stop the oil leaks, these parts must be checked and replaced where necessary.

Replacing problematic parts such as gaskets, seals, and oil pans is the best way to stop engine oil leaks. However, if the leakage is not severe, you can try using an engine oil stop leak sealant first to check whether it can work. Oil stop leak sealants are products that are designed to stop or reduce oil leaks in engines. They come in different varieties, but they all work by creating a seal around the leak.