If you own a car, at some point you’ve most likely encountered the tell-tale signs of an oil leak: suddenly, there are greasy stains in your garage, your driveway, or wherever you normally park your car.
What do you do when you see there’s a leak? How far can you safely drive with a small oil leak?
Here’s the simple take: if the oil is what allows your engine to function properly, is it a good idea to allow a leak to continue? The answer is No.
However, if you notice an oil leak, it isn’t a reason to immediately panic. Especially if it’s just a small one.
First, determine how bad the leak is. How much oil is dripping? Is there a pool of oil under your vehicle or are there only a few drops here and there?
Knowing how much oil you’re losing will help you determine whether it’s safe to drive your car to the mechanic and how soon you should make that appointment.
Why is it important for your vehicle not to run out of oil and why is that leak a concern in the first place?
Oil is the component that lubricates your car, truck, or SUV’s engine. It’s a crucial element to whether your car runs.
If the leak is small, you can monitor it, but it’s also good to keep an eye on your oil gauge at the same time. In addition, it’s important to check the oil manually and add more if necessary. No matter what, you do not want to run out of oil. Oil is crucial to lubricating the engine of your car and you can do serious, costly damage to your vehicle if you let the oil run out.
If your oil level gets too low, you may notice your car stalling. If this is the case, you need to add oil ASAP and then get your car to a local mechanic for repairs. Making sure your vehicle receives routine oil change service is a great way help maintain your oil levels and benefits that engine oil provides.
Does your local auto mechanic shop offer roadside assistance/evening and weekend assistance? This is important to know and a good service to utilize in the case of a situation like this where your car needs to quickly and safely get to a mechanic.
Talk to your local East Texas auto mechanic about what roadside assistance services they offer along with their other vehicle maintenance, tire maintenance, and engine diagnostic services.
There are some things you can do to prevent an oil leak from happening.
The main way to keep your vehicles functioning in top condition and avoid an oil leak is to bring your car, truck, or SUV in to your local East Texas auto mechanic, such as Stewart’s Donnybrook Automotive, for a car tune-up and regular car maintenance.
Keeping your car in top working order means there will be less of a chance for problems to occur and a leak to develop.
Is your car older? If this is the case, it’s especially important to pay attention to components such as the seals and gaskets, which can become worn and break down over time. Time and the elements are tough on seals and gaskets. If not monitored and occasionally replaced when needed, the seals and gaskets can crack and eventually break, allowing oil to leak and end up where it’s not supposed to be. If you notice an oil leak and your vehicle hasn’t had the seals or gaskets checked recently, it’s important to have them inspected at your local garage.
Your vehicle’s oil filter is a central part for numerous reasons, a main one being that it is the piece that keeps dirt and other gunk from ending up in your engine. If your filter is clogged or otherwise not functioning properly it will cause your oil to dam up and eventually a leak will occur. If this is allowed to continue, it could do major damage to your engine and cause it to overheat. An overheated engine means a breakdown on the side of the road, which can be dangerous for many reasons. If you suspect your oil filter isn’t working as it should or might be clogged it’s important to have your car checked by a local garage as soon as possible.
Have you hit a large pothole lately? Or maybe a curb or rock? If so, the oil leak might be a result of a cracked oil pan. If this is the case, it’s very important you have your car inspected and repaired by a trusted local East Texas mechanic.
While having an oil leak is inconvenient, the good news is that there are many ways to prevent it and an oil leak that’s not severe should be easy to diagnose and the cost of repairs shouldn’t break the bank.
If you notice an oil stain under your car, no matter the size, have your car checked out and repaired by a professional mechanic as soon as possible.
