Always check your oil! New and experienced drivers alike are constantly reminded of this. It’s recommended for daily commutes, before big road trips, and if your car has been sitting for too long. That’s because oil keeps your engine running, preventing overheating, breakdowns, and unexpected repairs.
So what do you do if you suspect your car has an oil leak? Knowing how to find an oil leak fast helps ensure you stay safe on the road. This is where we can help. Our automotive experts at Hoffmaster’s Auto Care in Silver Spring, MD help car owners every day with oil leaks, oil changes, and new filters.
There’s 3 easy ways to check for an oil leak at home, so you can call ahead to make repairs and stay prepared for the unexpected. And remember: never ignore the warning signs! Spotting an oil leak early helps you have extra oil on hand in case of an emergency while you make plans for repairs at a local repair shop. Staying on top of common problems saves you money and keeps your car running safely.
What Oil Does for Your Car
Oil is the lubricant for all of the moving parts in your engine. Cylinders, bearings, belts, gears, pistons, valves, and more are all protected by oil. It protects against friction, allowing metal parts to move without excessive wear. It fills in gaps for sealing while cleaning as it moves throughout the engine.
Oil also absorbs heat, cooling parts as it travels. This is why lack of oil causes engines to overheat or seize entirely, because the engine can’t run as it’s supposed to without oil to grease the parts for smooth operation.
Oil changes are needed because, over time, oil breaks down, becoming sluggish and dirty. This is why oil changes are recommended every six months or more frequently with heavy travel, because it becomes less effective at protecting the engine the more it’s in use.
Compare Synthetic Oil vs Conventional Oil if you are looking for ways to change your oil less frequently and improve engine performance.
3 Ways to Spot an Oil Leak
Visual Inspection
You can check for an oil leak with a visual inspection of your vehicle. First, check your dashboard for any warning lights, like the check engine light. Many modern vehicles have an oil light, but this is primarily a reminder for regular oil changes. Your check engine light signals that something is wrong, and it could be as simple as getting an oil change.
You can also check for an oil leak by popping the hood of the car. Don’t worry – checking the dipstick is easy. To check your oil levels, remove the dipstick, clean it with a rag, and dip it back in. Remove the dipstick and check the level against the line on the dipstick. If its below the recommended level, you likely have an oil leak. You can also check for an oil leak under the hood by seeing if oil is visible on any of the engine parts. When oil is running smoothly through the engine, it won’t be visible; visible oil under the hood means you have an oil leak.
Drivers can also check for an oil leak by looking under their car before and after they park. This is best done somewhere your car sits a while, like in your driveway, garage, or a parking spot at work. If the pavement is clear when you park but has stains under the vehicle when you return, you have a leak that needs to be checked.
Unusual Odors
When oil leaks, it has an odor because it drips onto the engine, and the heat from the engine burns the oil. This leads to a burning smell you may notice while driving or after parking your vehicle. Do not ignore this! Burning oil smells can indicate a dangerous leak that needs repairs ASAP.
You may also notice an oil smell coming through your AC vents. As oil burns, it can get sucked into the AC vent system, making the inside of your car smell like burning oil. Schedule an oil change and engine diagnostics ASAP to ensure the oil leak isn’t dangerous or something more isn’t going on under the hood.
Engine Overheating
Oil cools your car as it goes through the engine. Without the right amount of oil, engines overheat. You can spot an overheating engine by warning lights on your dashboard, the AC not working, or smoke coming from under the hood.
Sometimes, smoke from under the hood and from the engine is loose oil being burned, which can also indicate you have an oil leak somewhere. Never ignore smoke from under the hood or assume it’s oil burning off and will stop soon. Always pull over, safely pop the hood, and visually inspect the area.
An overheating vehicle can cause serious accidents on the road, so call for assistance if you can’t find the source of the smoke or if you don’t have any oil on hand to replace the leaking oil. A tow is a small price compared to an entire engine rebuild.
Risks of Ignoring an Oil Leak
Never ignore an oil leak! While some oil leaks may seem small and not that serious, a lack of oil can cause major damage. Some drivers “top off” their oil instead of finding the source of the leak, but ignoring the underlying issue may cause bigger problems later.
Schedule an oil change at Hoffmaster’s Auto Care if you’re worried about an oil leak, and we can determine the easiest fix. This helps you avoid:
- Engine damage
- Overheating
- Emergency repairs
- Lack of acceleration
- Failed emissions testing
- Fire hazards
- Poor engine performance
- Complete engine seizure and breakdown
Schedule Your Oil Appointment Today
Hoffmaster’s Auto Care in Silver Spring, MD can handle engine diagnostics, oil changes, and leak repairs. We’re fast, efficient, and provide honest estimates. When you’re worried about your vehicle or spot common signs of an oil leak, don’t hesitate to give our experts a call. We’re here to help you stay on the road safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common signs of an oil leak?
Common signs of an oil leak include oil spots under your car, low oil levels on the dipstick, burning oil smells, smoke from under the hood, and engine overheating. Your check engine light coming on, poor acceleration, or knocking engine sounds may also indicate low oil levels due to an oil leak.
How can I check for an oil leak at home?
You can check for an oil leak at home by inspecting the ground under your vehicle for oil stains, checking the dipstick for low oil levels, and looking under the hood for visible oil on engine components. Smoke from under the hood or the smell of burning oil may also indicate an oil leak.
Why does my car smell like burning oil?
A burning oil smell usually happens when leaking oil drips onto hot engine parts and burns. This can also cause the smell to come through your AC vents or smoke to come from under the hood. Always pull over and check your engine if you see smoke or smell burning odors.
Can low oil cause my engine to overheat?
Yes, low oil can cause an engine to overheat. Oil helps cool and lubricate the engine; when oil levels are too low because of a leak, the engine can overheat, smoke, or even seize completely. Never ignore the warning signs of an overheating engine.
Can I ignore an oil leak?
Ignoring an oil leak can lead to engine damage, overheating, poor performance, failed emissions testing, fire hazards, emergency repairs, and complete engine failure. It is not recommended to avoid an oil leak. Call for an appointment ASAP with your local auto shop; it is often a fast and affordable repair that will save you time and money later.
Hoffmaster's Auto Care
Our mission at Hoffmaster’s Auto Care is to provide our customers with the highest level of car repair service and expertise, delivered with honesty, integrity, and a commitment to excellence. Hoffmaster’s Auto Care in Silver Spring, MD has been in business for more than 40 years. All our technicians are ASE certified. You can rely on our experience and knowledge for high-quality auto repair and maintenance services.
