Oil leaks are a common problem faced by vehicle owners everywhere. However, when left undealt with, leaking oil can result in overheating, engine damage, as well as damage to a number of other components within your vehicle. Aside from this, leaking oil can also prove as a slipping and fire hazard. Not to mention, leaked oil eventually gets washed away into drains that lead to various water sources. Consequently, leaking oil is not only bad for you and your vehicle, but also for the environment at large.
As a vehicle owner, it’s up to you to be on the ball when it comes to fulfilling your vehicle’s needs. Of course, this also means educating yourself so that you are able to identify the tell-tale signs of issues within your vehicle as soon as possible- including oil leaks. Luckily, we’ve provided a short guide that tells you everything you need to know down below. So, if you want to avoid all the consequences of having your oil leak resolved far too late, check out the most common signs of an oil leak that tell you that you need to take action right now:
The Signs
Keep an Eye Out for Puddles Underneath the Car
Noticing puddles underneath your vehicle or in the spot where you usually park isn’t always an immediate cause for concern. These puddles of water could be the result of condensation caused by your vehicle’s air conditioning or exhaust, of which are incredibly normal. On the other hand, if you notice that the puddle underneath your car has a certain colour or smell to it, then it could definitely be fluid that is leaking out of your vehicle.
Keep in mind that the colour of the fluid can give you a good indicate of where it’s coming from. Engine oil in particular will be light or dark brown in colour. In addition to this, red fluid can be identified as transmission fluid, whilst green, yellow or pink fluid can indicate that your coolant is leaking. Coolant can also appear orange in colour if rust has managed to form inside your cooling system. You should note that you can generally characterise coolant fluid by its sweet smell and slimy texture.
Take Note of Burning Smells, Crackling Noises and Smoke
Before you notice a visible leak, you may also come across the unmistakable smell of burning oil whilst driving. This is what happens when the leaking oil falls onto the hot engine and reacts with dirt and debris, burning in the process. To accompany this burning smell, you may also notice a popping or crackling sound coming from your engine, similar to the sound of frying bacon. Of course, the sound of a potential oil leak is nowhere near as pleasant as the sound of breakfast being prepared in the morning. Aside from this, smoke coming from under the hood is also another tell-tale sign of an oil leak.
Check Your Oil Levels
If you’ve got an oil leak, then it only makes sense that your engine oil levels would run out at a rapid rate. By checking your vehicle’s engine oil from time to time, you will be able to keep a close eye on it and identify potential oil leaks as early on as possible. What’s more, you will be able to top it up on the regular, and prevent it from becoming too low. If you don’t have the time to do this yourself, you can always bring your vehicle into European Prestige Auto Service for routine maintenances services. Our mechanics will be able to check and change your oil as apart of your service.
Turn to European Prestige Auto Service for Prompt and Efficient Oil Leak Repairs
Got an oil leak that needs to be fixed? At European Prestige Auto Service, we specialise in the maintenance and repair of a range of luxury European vehicles, include BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen and much more. Best of all, our friendly and experienced auto technicians keep you informed every step of the way, so there’s no room for any surprises or unexpected fees when you turn to us. We ensure professional, transparent service each and every time. So, whether you’re in need of a small service or a significant repair, you can always trust in our highly qualified team to get the job done right.
To book an oil leak repair for your vehicle, call European Prestige Auto Service today!
