You are about to head out for an important meeting, but you quickly notice a puddle of greasy-looking liquid under your car. Turns out it’s an engine oil leak! Oil leakages are pretty common in many vehicles, but they do pose a fire hazard. But don’t worry, as Honda automotive repair experts, we will get this fixed for you. If you wish to learn more about oil leaks, the guide below discusses common signs and reasons.
4 Signs that Your Car is Leaking Oil
1. Puddles Under the Car
The first noticeable sign is the presence of visible puddles of oil under your car. Engine oil will be dark brown or yellow, whereas the transmission fluid is pink and the coolant is green or orange. Make a note of how much oil is present on the floor. If there are only a few drops here and there, it’s pretty normal. But, if you notice more oil leaking fast, talk to a Honda automotive repair expert for help.
2. Overheating Engine
The engine temperature should stay within a specific range for smooth functioning and optimal performance. A car’s engine oil is supposed to lubricate the engine and regulate its temperature levels. So, if the engine is overheating quite often, there’s a good chance that the oil is leaking. Overheating also possibly leads to engine failure, so ensure the leakage is fixed by an expert early on.
3. Smoke from the Engine
In a typical scenario, smoke will only come from the exhaust of your car. When there’s an oil leak, some of it drops into the exhaust manifold. As a result, you will notice smoke coming from under the hood, accompanied by a strange smell. This must be addressed as soon as possible, or it leads to extensive damage.
4. Check the Dashboard Light
Every vehicle will have a dashboard indicator that specifies if there’s a probable oil leak. The light doesn’t necessarily indicate oil leaks, though. It could simply mean you should change the oil or that the oil sensor is malfunctioning. Regardless, if you see this light on while driving, get in touch with a Honda mechanic in San Antonio, TX to identify the underlying problem.
4 Possible Causes of Oil Leaks:
- Bad Oil Filter: Oil filters wear out over time with frequent usage. It must either be fixed or replaced.
- Faulty Drain Plug: A misaligned, worn, or damaged drain plug could cause oil leaks. Get it checked by a mechanic soon.
- Damaged Oil Pan: Oil leaks happen when the gasket of the oil pan is damaged.
- Broken or Loose Oil Filler Cap: Sometimes oil leaks are caused by minor problems such as a broken or loose filler cap. A faulty filter cap could cause the oil to leak, even when your car is parked.
It is crucial to fix an oil leak at the right time before it leads to other problems. When you notice any of the signs mentioned above, have no second thoughts and contact an Acura repair shop in San Antonio at your earliest convenience.
