Finding a puddle of liquid under your vehicle is a worrying sign for any driver. Oil is an essential element of an automobile’s mechanism because it allows the engine to operate with adequate lubrication. It increases the lifespan of components by reducing corrosion and friction between moving parts. Therefore, a black puddle under the car signifies an oil leak, which can be the cause of many serious problems.
The Dangers of Oil Leaks
This is a problem that should not be ignored or set aside. The risks it can lead to are as follows:
- Premature wear of hoses and rubber seals.
- Creating a fire risk if you continue to drive with a leak.
- Engine wear and premature failure if the problem is not resolved in time.
If you suspect a leak, measure the oil level to be sure. Additionally, you will notice strange smells and the color of the smoke coming from the exhaust pipe will be different. Refer to the next section to learn how to fix the problem, as it poses a potential risk of a car accident and injury to you and other passengers.
How to Fix an Oil Leak Problem
If you have no prior experience with car repair, it would be best to take the car to a repair shop. But if you like to get your hands dirty, try the following tips:
Replace the Broken Gasket or Worn Seals
The engine is composed of several components and shafts. Each joint of the different parts has a seal to keep the oil inside the engine, while each shaft is surrounded by a seal. The more you drive, the more the engine parts move, the shafts rotate, the temperature drops below freezing and then suddenly rises to hundreds of degrees. These combined elements contribute to the deterioration of the sealing product and the gaskets. The oil begins to leak slowly, but soon the hole becomes large enough to create a puddle.
New gaskets and seals are not expensive, but replacing them takes time because you may have to unscrew or remove many components to reach the damaged ones. If you think this is too much work, contact a professional mechanic.
Use an Engine Oil Leak Sealer
If the leak is minimal, a good quality engine oil leak sealer can do the trick! It is a type of liquid that you need to mix with the engine oil. It seals the leak from the inside out and acts as a conditioner for the seal and gasket, returning them to their original shape. Due to its liquefied state, it does not clog any passages.
Tighten Loose Bolts
Sometimes, loose bolts are the cause of the oil leak problem. This is a common problem because nuts and gaskets tend to loosen over time. The solution is to tighten them with a torque wrench. However, different car models have different specifications regarding the model and tolerance to use for tightening the bolts. Therefore, consult the owner’s manual and know the requirements.