A common concern among vehicle owners is engine oil leaks, but few know what causes them or how to fix them. In this post by  Huff Oil Group in Fayetteville, NC, we’ll go over some common signs of leaks. 

Your vehicle needs a few essential fluids to perform efficiently, one of them being your engine oil. Engine oil, though, works as the lifeblood of your car by lubricating and protecting the engine against wear. Engine oil prevents essential moving parts in your engine from rubbing together and causing friction. That’s why it’s necessary to keep it clean and at the proper levels. Keeping your engine oil clean can help your vehicle perform better and maximize its lifespan. Oil is so vital that engine oil leaks can be concerning. Often, one of the first time vehicle owners notice that they have a leak is when they see an oil puddle where their car was parked. Remember that if you do notice a puddle like this, your best bet is to take your vehicle to a mechanic to avoid further damage to your engine.

Following a vehicle maintenance routine is the best way to avoid damage to your engine and catch engine oil leaks in time. Call the experts at Huff Oil Group at (910) 988-9328 for information on excellent products like AMSOIL's Signature Series 0W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil. Visit their online store to place an order anytime!

Signs of Oil Leaks

There are different signs of engine oil leaks, the most common being the puddle underneath your car. But others aren’t as visible and can still cause trouble for your engine. Some signs that could help you find hidden leaks are:

• Oil stains on the engine: To inspect your engine for oil stains, wait for it to cool down and use a flashlight to inspect it. Oil stains will ook like brown oily puddles or oil around the components. You can also check your vehicle’s undercarriage for stains.
• Burnt oil smell: Some unusual smells could tell you a lot about your engine. Burnt oil is one of the most distinct ones. While you drive, pay attention to smells coming from your engine; if you smell burnt oil, it might be a sign of a leak.
• Low oil levels: Keeping an eye on your oil levels can let you know if you’re running low. If this happens frequently, it could be that you have a leak you haven’t found.

The best way to keep your vehicle in good condition is by only using top-shelf products for its maintenance. Let the experts at Huff Oil Group advise you what’s best for your engine by calling (910) 988-9328 or visiting their online store to see their complete list of products.

What Causes an Oil Leak?

Many things can cause an oil leak, but it’s important to remember that a professional mechanic should fix oil leaks before we dive into those. That being said, for the purpose of this post, here are some reasons your vehicle could be leaking oil:

• Worn Oil Filter: A worn oil filter is one reason you could have a leak. This usually happens when you don’t change the filter as often as you should. Changing your oil filter as often as suggested by the manufacturer is a good way not only to avoid leaks but to keep your engine in good condition.
• Valve Cover Gasket Fail: Another possible reason for an oil leak is that your valve cover gasket is damaged. After some time, the gaskets might crack, shrink or wear down, which means it won’t retain oil as efficiently as it used to, causing it to drip.
• Cylinder Head Gasket Fail: A leak between the engine block and the cylinder head could mean that your cylinder head gasket needs to be replaced.
• Oil Pan Gasket Fail: A leak could also come from your oil pan gasket. This is similar to the valve cover gasket, and its function is to seal fluid between the engine block and the oil pan.

What Should I Do if I Spot an Oil Leak?

The best way to address an oil leak is to take your vehicle to a professional mechanic as soon as possible. Oil leaks can cause significant damage to your car that can be expensive to repair. Make sure always to follow your maintenance schedule to avoid problems with your engine and catch any leaks in time before they become a significant problem.

With the right products and maintenance routine, your engine will be running smoother for longer. The oil pros at Huff Oil Group are ready to assist you with all your oil needs. Get in touch by calling (910) 988-9328 or visit their online store for more information!