Causes of Engine Oil Leaks and Their Effects

Scheduling an oil change is one of the most important steps you can take to protect and care for your vehicle. That said, you also want to be able to recognize and handle engine oil leaks when and if they occur between appointments. Learn about common causes of oil leaks and how to protect your vehicle with help from Med Center Mazda.

Your Filter Needs to Be Replaced

You want to replace your filter every time you get your oil changed to ensure maximum protection for the engine. If the filter isn’t installed properly, however—meaning that it is too loose or tightened too much—it can lead to leaking. Additionally, an oil filter installed with a faulty gasket will cause leaks, and one of the common reasons for gasket damage is overtightening.

Your Seals Are Damaged

Another common cause for engine leaks is damaged seals. The crankshaft and camshaft seals can shrink and wear out over time, and when they do, it can lead to oil leaks. When the oil leaks from this part of the system, it often lands on the timing belt, causing issues like slipping and jumping, or upsetting the timing sensors, leading to stalls and failed starts.

Oil Pan Damage

If you see a sudden puddle of oil appear under your vehicle, it may be due to damage to the oil pan. The pan is close to the surface of the road, and damage may be caused by road debris, speed bumps, or other obstacles. A leak in the pan typically causes very rapid oil loss, and running your vehicle with oil levels that low can lead to complete engine destruction, so never run your vehicle with oil pan damage.

Schedule MAZDA Oil Change Service in Pelham, AL

With oil change service and routine car care, you can protect your vehicle from damage for a long time to come. Med Center Mazda is here to help every step of the way. Schedule the service you can count on at our dealership.