There are a few reasons why your car might leak oil after an oil change. One of the most common causes is a faulty gasket. Gaskets play an important role in sealing off the engine and keeping it lubricated. When they wear out or become damaged, oil can seep past them and into the engine.
What Causes Oil Leaks
If you have a car that leaks oil after an oil change, there are a few things that could be happening. Here are a few of the most common causes:
1. The gasket on the oil pan may be old or cracked and not sealing properly. This can cause the engine to lose oil and make a noise. It’s important to have the gasket replaced if it’s questionable whether it’s causing the leak.
2. The valve cover gasket may also be failing. If this is the case, the gasket will start to leak when the pressure from the engine builds up. This can cause a significant amount of oil to leak, and often requires replacement of the valve cover as well.
3. A bad sealant may be used on the joint between the engine block and head. Over time, this sealant may fail, allowing oil to seep through and create a leak. In many cases, this sealant can simply be replaced with a better quality product that will last longer and not let so much oil escape.
Signs of a Leaking Oil Pan
If you notice your car leaking oil after a routine oil change, there’s a good chance you have a leaking oil pan. Here are six signs that your oil pan is the problem:
1. Your car is smoking or making an unusual noise when you drive. This is likely because of the leakage, which is sending burning oil and water mixture into the engine.
2. You see light brown or black petroleum products on the ground after driving. This means that the burning oil and water mixture has created a fire in the engine, and you need to take action as soon as possible to put it out.
3. You see bubbling or seeping from your car’s engine area when it’s cold or during winter months. This signifies that the pressure inside of the engine has increased due to the leakage, which can cause extensive damage over time.
4. You notice an increase in your car’s gas mileage due to the leakage. The burning oil and water mixture can cause wear and tear on critical engine parts, which in turn can affect fuel efficiency.
5. Finally, if you’re having trouble starting your car in cold weather, it might be due to frozen plugs located in your engine due
How to Fix a Leaking Oil Pan
If you find that your car is leaking oil after an oil change, there are a few potential fixes. Many times a leaking oil pan can be fixed by simply tightening or replacing the bolts that hold it in place. Other times the pan itself may need to be replaced.
Preventing Future Oil Leaks
When your car is in the shop for an oil change, it’s important to make sure you’re doing everything you can to prevent future leaks. Here are five tips for keeping your car leak-free:
1. Change your oil every 5,000 miles. This will help keep your engine running smoothly and prevent future leaks.
2. Use a high quality engine oil. Cheap oils will not last as long and may result in more frequent engine repairs.
3. Check your car’s drip pan regularly. If there is oil leaking from the engine, it will likely seep into the drip pan. Clean the area regularly to prevent future leaks.
4. Get regular tune-ups and inspections performed by a professional mechanic. A good mechanic will be able to identify and fix any problems with your car’s engine that may cause leaks.
5. Keep an eye out for signs of leakage – if you see any extra oil or fluid coming from your car, take it in for a repair as soon as possible!