How would you feel when you see oily marks in the driveway or a burning odor and smoke coming from your engine? Or the oil light on your car’s dashboard flickering on and off? Yes, your car has an engine oil leak. It isn’t an issue that you can ignore, but it indicates an issue that you can’t afford to ignore. It’s also time to worry about the engine oil leak repair costs!
Ignoring engine oil leak repairs can result in issues like overheating on the side of the road or substantial engine damage later. Also, when you observe an oil leak, your heart may stop for a second as you think of how much the engine oil leak repair cost will be. After all, the engine is one of the most costly parts to repair.
Here are all the details on engine oil leak symptoms and the repair cost!
What is engine oil?
It is a lubricant that helps lubricate moving engine parts, thereby reducing friction. It also cleans and avoids dirt in the engine. You need to check your car’s service manual to figure out when to change the oil. Ideally, most drivers change their car’s engine oil every 12 months or 15,000 miles. The oil dipstick can help you ensure that you have enough engine oil.
Types of engine oil
- Conventional oil
- Synthetic oil
- Synthetic oil blends
- High mileage oil
How much does it cost to repair an engine oil leak?
Repairing an oil leak might cost $100 to $2,000 or more. The high rate is because of the many different sources of oil leaks and their locations. Also, the type of car you drive impacts engine oil leak repair costs.
Labor costs will be additional, and various little seals on top can cost anywhere between $10 and $30. These are the most common oil leak repairs and the estimated costs.
| Repair | Estimated costs |
| Exchanging an oil drain plug gasket | $35-45 |
| Replacing a new oil filter | $30-70 |
| Repairing gasket damage | $85-$200 |
| Repairing an oil pan | $100-$500 |
You’ll most likely need several engine part repairs if you regularly drive a car with oil leaks. It can be more costly than a simple oil leak repair. To avoid higher engine oil leak repair costs, you must act quickly after discovering the oil leak.
Factors affecting engine oil leak repair cost
- Oil leak’s location
- The real source of the leak
- Type of car you own
- Your car’s engine type
- Labor costs
How serious is an engine oil leak?
Oil leaks can damage your car’s engine, radiator, heating, and cooling system, and harm the environment. If not properly maintained, the rubber hoses and seals used in these parts get damaged by accumulated oil and wear out early. Oil leakage also poses a risk to fire and safety.
Is it safe to drive a car with an engine oil leak?
An oil leak can be dangerous, resulting in a fire. If you don’t fix the leak right away, it will eventually lead to early engine damage.
What causes an engine oil leak?
These are the main factors that cause oil leaks in your car’s engine.
Degradation of the oil filter
The oil filter causes the majority of oil leaks. The leak can happen when the housing itself is broken. Though rare, it can happen at times. Internal engine pressure can also force it to loosen with time, but only if it wasn’t tight enough to begin with.
It’s also possible to tighten the oil filter, which can damage the gasket. Oil leakage can also happen if the old gasket sticks to the engine during the replacement. An oil filter is essential to keep pollutants from entering the engine oil and causing damage, so it is crucial to change the filter at regular intervals. Still, chances are you can receive a malfunctioning one.
A blown gasket
Gaskets maintain fluids in the right places in the engine. Also, gaskets control where oil flows as it travels through the engine. But gaskets do have a finite lifespan, typically about 200,000 miles. So the gasket starts wearing with time, making it hard for the oil to leak through.
A broken oil filler cap
Did you see oil puddles form rapidly near the engine or under your car? Then the issue will be with the oil filler cap attached to the valve cover. The filler cap might easily break or become loose after covering a good distance. It can also happen if the mechanic forgot to replace the oil filler cap on service completion. But, again, it is an issue that you can fix easily.
Excess quantity of oil
If you just filled up the oil, a tiny error can cause a leak. For example, you may have poured too much oil while filling up during the oil change. In this situation, all you should do is remove the excess oil.
Crankshaft seal failure
The crankshaft may be seen projecting slightly at both ends of the motor. Seals at these mounting places prevent the oil from leaking out of the motor. You can see front and rear seals on the crankshaft. If the front crankshaft seal leaks, oil will leak towards the front of the motor, which will be visible through the belt. If the issue is with the rear crankshaft seal, there will be oil between the engine and transmission.
Symptoms of an engine oil leak
Knowing the symptoms of an oil leak in detail can help you reduce the cost of engine oil leak repair. The earlier you diagnose it, the more you can save on repair costs!
Dark puddles underneath your car
When you drive out of your driveway or parking place, inspect for dark brown or yellow puddles. If you don’t have a designated parking spot, place a cardboard piece or a plastic plate beneath your car when you park. This will help you know that the leak is originating from your car and not someone else’s. If your oil pan leaks, it will spill directly onto the pavement, potentially causing oil pressure and level problems.
Smoke is coming out of the engine
If oil drips into the exhaust manifold, smoke will start coming out from the engine area. In addition, if this issue is neglected for a long time, the leaking oil can harm the oxygen sensors or result in the gaskets failing.
The dashboard oil light starts flickering
The oil light on the car’s dashboard is a warning that you should not ignore. It will notify you if the oil level or pressure is lower than normal. Even if this does not always mean there is a leak, it does require more inspection.
Overheating of the engine
Engine oil is vital to maintain the engine’s temperature. It helps keep the pistons lubricated and ensures that they slide smoothly within their housing. Without sufficient lubrication, the pistons will grind against other engine elements, producing lots of heat and perhaps resulting in your engine locking up and stalling. The engine might overheat when an oil leak happens or if the oil level falls too low.
Burning oil smell
If oil leaks onto the hot metal parts of your engine, you will likely smell burning oil and hear a sizzling sound. The sizzle happens when oil comes in contact with the hot engine. It may be an oil leak if you notice a foul smell that is thick and bitter, as well as the sound of bacon frying beneath the hood.
Ways to fix an engine oil leak
Once your car starts showing symptoms of an oil leak, you need to fix the issue as soon as possible. The longer you wait to repair, the higher the engine oil leak repair cost. These are the steps to follow to fix the problem.
Determine the primary cause
Many factors lead to an oil leak in your car. So, it’s very important to identify the root cause of the leakage. Begin by inspecting beneath the car and the seals. You also need to check whether the installation of the oil pan plug is proper. If you’re driving an older car, various oil leaks may have compounded into a bigger issue.
Use of an additive
Depending on the situation, an oil leak additive may be effective. An additive softens and conditions rubber seals, making them more flexible and allowing for greater retention. But additives may take some time to fully activate. Therefore, you should use this method only if the leak is minor and you have some extra time.
Refer to the service manual
It’s critical to refer to your car’s service manual before trying to repair the oil leak. You may find that the repair is simple enough to complete at home in some circumstances. However, in other instances, the repair may be too difficult for you to complete on your own. In these situations, it’s important to seek professional help.
Start repairing
For many of the simplest fixes, you’ll need tools like a floor jack, jack stands, and a torque wrench. Before you begin, double-check that you have all of the necessary tools. If you’re securing any bolts, you need to torque them according to the factory specs. Refer to your service manual throughout the repair.
Go for a test drive
Lastly, you need to test drive to ensure the issue has been resolved. Inspect the oil level and add more if required. Then start the engine and open the hood. When the car is running, inspect the engine to see whether there’s leakage. You can move your car slightly after running for a short period.
Look for any new oil accumulated in your work area. You must continue to work on the leakage if oil is still present. Otherwise, it’s time to take your car for a test drive to make sure everything is working fine. Remember that maintenance is always preferable to repair and incurring engine oil leak repair costs. You’ll have to deal with oil leaks less if you take care of your engine.
What are the benefits of fixing an engine oil leak?
Fixing an oil leak as soon as possible will protect your engine and help you avoid other smaller damages, such as internal parts that utilize oil for lubrication or gear wear.
How long will it take to fix an oil leak?
Depending on the mechanic, fixing the oil pan gasket can take between 1 and 2 hours. If you try to fix it yourself, it may take around six hours.
How long can I drive my car with an oil leak?
It’s not good to drive long distances if your car has an oil leak. However, it is safe to drive a maximum distance of 10 miles, and you can repair within that distance.
Is it an engine oil leak worth fixing?
Yes. Oil leaks can cause low oil levels, which can damage an engine and result in a significantly higher repair bill. Oil leaks can be so damaging that repairing them as soon as possible is always important to keep your car running and avoid any complications.
Tips to avoid oil leaks
Follow these steps to get rid of hefty engine oil leak repair costs.
- It’s important to stick to your car’s maintenance schedule.
- You should use the most protective engine oil compatible with your car. After 75,000 miles, start using high-mileage oil.
- Change your car’s engine oil as recommended in the service manual.
Gerard Stevens is an experienced writer specializing in travel and car ownership in the U.S. With over five years in this field, he strives to simplify travel and driving for his readers. Gerard offers valuable guidance on various topics, including car and travel guides, helping his audience feel more confident in navigating these challenges.
