Oil is essential to keep your engine cool and reduce wear and tear. When you have too little oil, you’ll need more frequent car repairs, and the engine might even sustain irreparable damage. That’s why you should be vigilant about checking for oil leaks. Here are the three main areas where leaks appear.

Where Is That Oil Coming From?

1. Holes & Cracks

Any of the reservoirs or hoses that transport oil through your car can develop holes. Holes often appear in the oil pan—the wide, shallow receptacle on the underside of the car where oil goes after flowing through the engine. Because it’s under the car, road debris can get kicked up into it, causing the damage.

Rubber hoses are also likely to crack, especially if they’re old or have become brittle because of overheating. A cracked part can sometimes be patched, but an auto repair shop will usually have to replace it.

2. Loose Connections

Oil may start to leak through the seams where hoses or nozzles connect when parts like the gaskets get worn out or damaged.

It also happens if connections aren’t tightened correctly after repairs and maintenance. For example, if you’ve changed the oil or installed a new oil filter, the oil drain plug or the filter itself may not be fully tightened.

Your car repair mechanic will check these connections first when looking for the source of a leak since this is the simplest fix.

3. Internal Leaking

Internal leaks happen when oil escapes through holes or loose connections into other parts of the engine. They’re harder to detect because there may not be a puddle beneath the car to show what’s happening.

For example, a damaged cylinder head can let oil seep into your coolant system, contaminating the coolant and damaging the parts of your engine that no longer have lubrication. Both systems will need repairs and a fluid change. Oil can also leak into the cylinders and get partially burnt from the gas.

If your oil is disappearing, visit Gomes Bus Fleet Maintenance in Kaneohe, HI, to find the source of the leak. Serving Oahu since 2014, they offer everything from simple oil changes to major car repairs. They are DOT-certified and take pride in staying updated on the latest auto technology. To make an appointment, call (808) 239-6755 or reach out online.