Although it might seem to be simple to forget a few drops of oil on your driveway, this is never a good idea. A minor oil leak will turn into a bigger, much more costly fix if left unattended. Furthermore, if the leak worsens while the vehicle is in service, the engine can seize. This will put passengers in your car and other vehicles on the road in a risky and precarious condition. You can prevent oil leaks from getting worse by getting daily oil change services.
Oil Leaks: Common Causes and Symptoms
Degraded engine gaskets, leakage from the oil pan, and improper or worn-out seals are also common sources of oil leaks. A deteriorated valve cover gasket or a loose or incomplete oil pan drain plug may also cause an oil leak.
Using a dipstick to calculate the oil level in your engine’s car is one of the simplest ways to decide whether you have an oil leak. Your oil level is poor whether it is below the minimum mark on the dipstick, which is marked by an L, MIN, crosshatching, or the lower pin hole. Low oil levels may indicate the presence of an oil leak. Another indication of an oil spill is blue smoke emanating from the vehicle’s hood or exhaust, or a heavy burning smell when the engine is running.
Oil Spills Cause Harm and Face Threats
Oil spills on a driveway or garage floor are both unsightly and dangerous to the community. Used motor oil produces a dangerous mixture of additives, as well as flaked or shaved fragments of lead, zinc, and arsenic from metal engine parts. These compounds will seep into water or drainage systems if used engine oil is washed away by rain or irrigation water. These contaminants, which are toxic to plants and animals, eventually make their way into other waterways as runoff.
Oil leaks can do significant damage to your vehicle’s engine, radiator, and HVAC system, in addition to having a negative effect on the atmosphere. The rubber hoses and seals used in these parts may be degraded by accumulated grease, allowing them to wear out prematurely.
Leaks of oil pose a fire and safety danger. You or others may be hurt if oil from a spill catches fire, or if the motor seizes and stalls while you’re driving. A seized engine causes repairable damage at best. Most times, the damage is serious enough that the engine has to be rebuilt.
Naperville Oil Change Service on a Regular Basis
Your vehicle is a significant financial investment. Do not overlook even tiny drops of oil on your driveway or in your parking spot. Nelson’s Auto Repair is the go-to oil change service supplier if you suspect an oil spill.
We make it a priority to pair drivers with the best oil for their car and driving conditions. We have four convenient places in Naperville where you can get your oil changed. Download our oil change coupons to take advantage of our winter special, which starts at $39.99 for an oil change and tire replacement. If you’d like to hear more about our oil change kits, please email us.
