The oil pan is responsible for catching and recycling the oil through your engine to keep it cool and lubricated. A cracked pan will leak oil, which will cause expensive damage to your automotive parts and could result in engine failure if left unaddressed. It’s essential that you recognize the signs of a cracked oil pan, so you can have it repaired or replaced as soon as possible before it causes a break down.

How to Identify a Cracked Oil Pan 

1. Unusual Oil Consumption

Your oil should not need to be regularly topped off between scheduled oil changes. If it does, this means there’s a leak that could be from your oil pan. It’s time to check your automotive oil parts if oil consumption is unusually high. If the leak is left unaddressed, you’ll keep wasting oil and risk ruining your engine.

2. Oil Spots on the Ground

Check the ground underneath your car when it’s been parked in one spot for a while. Any leaking oil will drip down, leaving behind a black or brown slick spot. If you see any spots that are a different color, then chances are your car is leaking another type of fluid.  

3. Oil on the Undercarriage

The oil pan is at the bottom of the engine, visible from underneath the car. If you slide underneath from the front, you can see the large pan with a plug in it. Look for any oil on the outside of the pan or the surrounding undercarriage automotive parts. If this is the case, then there’s a leak that’s simply not dripping to the ground yet.

When it’s time to replace your cracked oil pan, Automotive Supply Center has what you need. Their store is based in Hilo, HI, and has supplied Hawaii with high-quality, affordable automotive supplies since 1956. Their massive selection of inventory for foreign and domestic vehicles spans three warehouses, so you can trust that they have everything you need. Preview their inventory online and call (808) 935- 3767 to talk with a knowledgeable team member.