Why Is My Car Leaking Oil?

If you’ve noticed your car leaking oil when parked in Winter Haven, it can be alarming and frustrating. Oil leaks are a common issue, but understanding the cause can help prevent further damage to your engine and save you from costly repairs. Oil plays a crucial role in keeping your engine running smoothly by lubricating its components, and an oil leak can quickly lead to more serious problems if not addressed. This guide will explain the most common reasons for oil leaking from the car and what steps you can take to fix it.

Common Causes of Oil Leaks

There are several reasons why your car is leaking oil, especially when parked. Some of the most common causes of oil leaking from the car include:

• Worn-Out Gaskets: Over time, the gaskets that seal parts of the engine can wear out, causing oil to seep through.
• Damaged Oil Pan: The oil pan, located underneath your vehicle, can get damaged or punctured from debris or rough Bartow roads, leading to oil leaks.
• Loose or Worn Oil Filter: The oil filter helps clean contaminants from your oil, but if it’s loose or worn out, it can cause leaks.
• Faulty Oil Drain Plug: This plug is located at the bottom of the oil pan and is removed during oil changes. If it becomes loose or stripped, it may result in your car leaking oil when parked.
• Overfilled Oil: Adding too much oil during an oil change can create pressure on seals and gaskets, leading to leaks.

What to Do If Your Car Is Leaking Oil

If you suspect oil is leaking from your car, it’s important to take action quickly. Here are a few steps to follow:

• Regularly check the oil level on your dipstick. If it’s lower than usual, it may indicate a leak.
• Inspect for visible leaks. Look under your car for puddles of oil, particularly where it’s parked. Fresh oil typically has a light brown color, while old oil may appear dark brown or black.
• Monitor your dashboard. If your oil pressure warning light turns on, it could be related to low oil levels caused by a leak.

Ignoring an oil leak can lead to engine damage and expensive repairs. Running your engine with low oil levels increases friction, which can cause severe wear and tear. Additionally, oil leaking onto other parts of the engine may cause smoke or even fires in extreme cases. At Cadillac Lakeland, our certified technicians are trained to diagnose and fix any issue with your vehicle, including oil leaking from the car

Cadillac Lakeland Can Help

We use high-quality parts to ensure your car is running at its best and can identify the root cause of why your car is leaking oil when parked. Stop by Lakeland today or schedule an appointment online, near Brandon, to get your oil leak inspected and repaired before it becomes a bigger problem!