Having a car is a blessing, but it comes with a lot of challenges. Identifying and fixing minor leaks at the right time is very important. Oil leaks are particularly annoying and can harm your engine badly. Oil leaks might seem small, but they’re troublesome for you and the people around you if ignored.
Leaking oil can drip onto hot engine parts, creating smoke, pungent poisoning, or even a fire risk sometimes. Not fixing it on time will not only cause tension and depression but also a waste of time and money. Moreover, oil on the ground is crucial for the atmosphere; seeping into soil and water causes harm to plants and animals.
So in this article, we will let you know in detail how to identify and fix minor details to keep your car reliable and spare you from these hassles.
Spotting minor leaks:
Spotting oil leaks at the right time can save you from many complications. You need to check every other week if there is any problem with your car or not. Start by parking your car in a safe place and let it cool for some time, or probably overnight.
Look under your car to check if there are any spots or black stains. Oil leakages are dark brown or black, while coolant leaks are green, orange, or pink. Oil leakage smells like hell. It has a very strong, venomous, and burnt smell, while coolant leakage has a very sweet smell. You can use a torchlight to check properly.
Check the engine area, gasket, and seals, and the oil pan, particularly. You might see wet drops there, and that’s a sign of oil leakage. Be careful while driving and keep an eye on the ground to check if there is any leakage or not.
If you are not sure where the oil is coming from, place a clean piece of cardboard under the car for the whole night and trace the leak. That’s the best possible way to catch any kind of leakage in the car and fix it right on time to avoid any mess and problem. Where the problem is, it’s easy to fix.
How to fix these oil leaks?
Once you know what the problem is and where the problem is, it’s easy to fix it. Before you start fixing the oil leakage in your car, let the engine cool for some time. You need to know well whether the oil leakage in your car is minor or if there is something serious. If there is a minor oil leakage in your car, like a loose drain plug or oil filter, grab a wrench and gently tighten the plug or filter.
Keep in mind that you have to do it, and don’t be harsh; otherwise, you will strip the threads. If the leakage is from a worn gasket, such as a valve cover gasket, you need a new one. Clean the area with a rag or degreaser. Then remove the old gasket and place a new one in its place. Tighten the bolts evenly, following your car’s manual for the right torque.
Always use safety precautions to do this. It is best to use gloves and safety glasses to avoid any irritation or mishap. If the oil leakage is bigger than that, like from an oil pan or major seal, you need to call a mechanic and seek professional help to fix it as soon as possible.
Conclusion:
For the protection of your car, it’s important to catch and fix oil leakages. Take time to inspect your car every month as it deserves and requires monthly care, cleaning, and detailed inspection. It will save you from many problems. Keep your driveway clean and your car ready for the road.
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