It is important to know the signs of an oil leak if you want to take proper care of your car. Especially if you have an older vehicle, you need to be able to recognize leaks, but even newer cars can have oil leaks for various reasons. Having your car serviced regularly by the San Diego auto mechanics at Automobile Repair Shop San Diego can help make sure you catch any oil leaks, but it is crucial as a vehicle owner to be able to recognize the early stages in between regular maintenance.
Signs of an Oil Leak
Some typical signs of an oil leak include:
Quickly dropping oil level on your dipstick: Keeping an eye on your engine oil level is a key component of maintaining your car. Our San Diego mechanics recommend you start by checking your engine oil level weekly to see there is a drop in the level. If you do not a dramatic drop in the oil level, you can start checking just once a month. However, it is not recommended that you go longer than a month between checks. Most dipsticks require around a quart of oil to move the level from “low” to “full,” so you should take your car to an auto repair shop in San Diego for inspection if you notice your car loses more than a quart of oil every 2,000 miles.
Oil Pressure Light or Fluctuating Gauge: If your oil level is too low, the pickup tube for your oil pump will be uncovered and your oil pump will lose pressure. This can result in your oil pressure gauge fluctuating or a blinking oil light. Losing oil quickly can also cause damage, so if you find yourself in this situation, you should stop driving as soon as possible and add engine oil.
Burning Smell: If you have an oil leak above or near your exhaust manifold, it could drip into the manifold and start to burn. In severe cases, it can cause a fire. However, it usually just makes a mess and leaves a strange odor of burnt oil. If you smell burnt oil, you should try checking your valve cover gasket, timing cover gasket, or cam seals for oil leaks.
Drops on the Ground: Oil drips may or may not be easy to check, but it is the simplest way to spot an oil leak. If you regularly park in a spot with oil stains, you should try cleaning the stains or park in a clean area to watch for new stains.
Affordable Oil Change Services San Diego
Automobile Repair Shop San Diego is a family-owned and operated business that has provided quality cheap oil change services in San Diego for years. We offer you hassle-free estimates and repairs in San Diego starting with a precise assessment of your vehicle’s current issues. We will tow your vehicle for FREE to our shop, organize for a rental car, and work directly with the insurance company to streamline the repair process. We will even pay up to $500 of your deductible. Contact us today at (619) 330-0862 to see how we can help.