Learning about the main signs and causes of an engine oil leak is key to preventing this issue. If you are interested in the matter, keep reading this post by Ed Welliver in Mission.

Picture this; you are ready to commute to work one morning but notice a driveway stain under your car on your way out. When you return home, you place a cardboard piece under your vehicle since you suspect fluid leaking. After a couple of hours, you check on the cardboard and notice a brown oily stain dripping down from your engine. Needless to say, that would be an oil leak. To that end, this post has vital information to prevent and detect leaking problems in your vehicle; so, if you are interested in this matter, keep reading below.

First, Learn The Basics of Engine Oil

If you could see your engine in motion, you would notice the pistons, valve train, crankcase, and other metal components moving across one another, producing a lot of resistance and increasing the temperature within the engine. Thankfully, motor oil works as a protective shield against all the forces that lead to premature wear. Simply put, the engine oil gets pumped up from the bottom of your engine to the top, enabling lubrication, reducing friction, and absorbing heat to allow your engine to run smoothly. Without oil, your vehicle would overheat and fail rapidly; therefore, engine oil leaks lead to significant issues.

Does your vehicle require a synthetic oil change? If so, choose high-quality products like AMSOIL's Signature Series 5W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil. To place an order on the most efficient synthetic oil in Mission, visit AMSOIL's online store or call Ed Welliver at (956) 458-9399.

Top Indicators for an Engine Oil Leak

In most cases, car owners realize they have leaking issues solely by seeing a dripping fluid coming from their cars. However, some oil leaks hide from sight because the fluid doesn't make the way down; sometimes, it forms a hidden small puddle or a sticky and oily residue inside your engine. Nonetheless, here are some useful ways to tell if your vehicle has an oil leak:

• If you noticed dropped oil levels each time you measure this engine fluid, that could indicate a leaking issue. Now, it's worth noting how checking your oil levels once each month plays an essential role in detecting oil issues and hidden leaking; plus, it is a simple task you can learn to perform by referring to your owner's manual.
• Other signs attributed to hidden oil leaks are stains and fluid residues inside the engine. If you want to inspect under your hood, be careful and ensure your motor's temperature won't cause you any burn. Once your engine is mildly warm, grab a flashlight to improve visibility and look out for stains or greasy residues inside. If you notice any, make sure to get it checked by a professional.
• Have you ever noticed a burning oil smell coming from under your hood? If you have, it goes without saying that a small puddle of leaked oil is burning each time you run your engine. Now, keep in mind that burning oil inside your engine leads to overheating and engine failure; therefore, it is important to stop your car and let it cool down if you notice this strange smell.

If you want to extend your vehicle's life, protect its engine with the highest quality synthetic oil in Mission. Visit AMSOIL's online store to place an order, or call Ed Welliver at (956) 458-9399 to learn more about the best products for your vehicle.

Common Sources of an Oil Leak

Tracking down an engine oil leak might be challenging since there are multiple causes to diagnose this issue; however, some components lead to leakage more often when they crack or wear down. To that end, keep an eye out for these engine parts:

1. Valve cover gasket: On the whole, gaskets are placed throughout several engine systems to provide sealing between components; but more importantly, to hold the oil that circulates through those units; in other words, to prevent leaking. Nonetheless, this specific gasket retains oil between the valve cover and the cylinder head. Although it lasts for many years, it shrinks and wears down eventually, and when that happens, the oil leaks.
2. Oil filter: As far as extending your engine's life goes, the oil filter plays an essential role in keeping the engine lubricant in optimal conditions. However, when the oil filter's installation is loose, it can lead to a leaking issue; therefore, make sure it is placed correctly in the oil filter housing.
3. Oil pan gasket: This gasket provides sealing between the oil pan and the engine block. Generally speaking, these gaskets' material is silicone rubber; therefore, they might crack and be worn down after many years of use, leading to an oil leak.
4. Cylinder head gasket: Unlike most gaskets, this one is made of metal; however, it still might bend or crack if your engine overheats. Nonetheless, it's worth mentioning that a faulty cylinder head gasket can cause oil and coolant to leak and mix, leading to potential engine failure.

Get Your Engine Oil Leak Checked

Preventive maintenance is key to avoid an oil leak; however, if you find a leak in your vehicle, you shouldn't ignore it since it means something hidden inside the engine needs replacement or a simple check-up. On the whole, this issue requires professional inspection by a mechanic to avoid permanent damage.

Ensure maximum protection for your engine by adding amazing products to it, like AMSOIL's Signature Series 5W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil. To place an order on the highest quality synthetic oil in Mission, visit AMSOIL's online store or call Ed Welliver at (956) 458-9399.