Why Is My Car Leaking Oil and How Can I Prevent It in the Future?

Your vehicle’s oil is the lifeblood of its engine. The motor oil lubricates the moving parts of the engine and its components, helps remove dirt, debris, and gunk, and helps extend the life span of your car, truck, or SUV. If the vehicle doesn’t have regular maintenance, is involved in an accident, or suffers from premature wear and tear, the vehicle may begin to leak oil. Leaking engine oil can lead to catastrophic failure or damage to the engine, resulting in costly repairs, especially if the leaks aren’t detected or addressed early on.

If you’re a car owner in the Pensacola, Florida, area, you can rely on Allen Turner Hyundai for all your automotive service needs, including the ability to detect and repair oil leaks. Before these become a major and costly issue, call now to make an appointment with our service experts at Allen Turner Hyundai.

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About Allen Turner Hyundai Service

Since 1989, Allen Turner Hyundai has served the local Pensacola, Florida, community with award-winning expertise, exceptional customer service, and commitment to excellence, from our state-of-the-art service center to our friendly, stress-free sales team members. Our factory-trained service technicians perform multipoint inspections during regular maintenance visits to help ensure your vehicle runs and performs in top condition.

Because our team is highly trained and understands the intricacies of all Hyundai makes and trims, they’ll be able to detect any engine problems, including oil leaks, and fix and resolve those issues in a timely and cost-efficient manner. From oil changes to complex engine work, our team has you covered, and we’re available to answer any questions or concerns about your vehicle.

Reasons a Car Could Be Leaking Oil

Oil leaks can spell trouble for your car’s engine, so it’s crucial to understand what causes them, and the sooner you address them, the better. Common causes for oil leaks include:

• Worn-out gaskets: Gaskets create seals, preventing oil and other fluids from escaping. Over time, gaskets deteriorate due to heat and pressure. A worn gasket can no longer seal properly, allowing oil to drip out.
• Damaged oil pan: Your oil pan sits at the engine’s bottom, holding the oil. It’s susceptible to damage from road debris and bumps. Cracks or holes allow the oil to drain out.
• Improperly installed oil filter: Oil filters clean contaminants from the oil. But if installed improperly or loosened over time, they can spring a leak.

Ignoring any of these issues risks severe engine damage and can spell trouble for your vehicle.

With regular proactive maintenance, our service technicians can catch potential oil leaks before they cause damage. Routine checks allow the technicians to ensure the gaskets are replaced before they become worn out. They’ll properly install the oil filter and make sure it’s tightened, and they’ll inspect the oil pan and replace it if needed.

Symptoms of Leaking Oil

While you may not be aware of worn-out gaskets or a damaged oil pan as you drive your vehicle. If you notice any of the following signs, consult with our service team as soon as possible:

• Dark spots or puddles beneath your car: You may notice brownish-black stains that result from dripping oil. If you suspect an oil leak, park your vehicle in a clean spot, and any fresh leaks will become apparent.
• A distinct burning smell: Burning oil carries a noxious odor. This smell wafts from the engine bay when oil splashes onto hot components. Have your engine inspected if you smell burning oil.
• The oil light on your dashboard comes on: This warning light is designed to alert you to low oil levels caused by a leak or insufficient oil in the engine due to a lack of maintenance.

Don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with our service center if you detect any signs of an oil leak. Our team will quickly identify and remedy the issue before major damage occurs.

Allen Turner Hyundai’s Service Process

Oil leaks demand prompt attention. Our certified technicians excel at diagnosing and resolving these issues efficiently using cutting-edge diagnostic tools to pinpoint your vehicle’s leak source accurately. Visual inspections and computerized analysis ensure a thorough check of any issues that may have occurred from an oil leak problem.

After a comprehensive inspection of your vehicle, including oil gaskets, filters, the oil pan, and other engine components, we outline the required services, estimated costs, and projected timeline for the repairs. We’re committed to honesty and transparency for all our work orders.

In addition, we use original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts to ensure a precise fit for your specific make and trim. OEM parts are designed to work seamlessly with other engine parts for optimum performance, reliability, and safety. We also provide warranties for our parts to help give you extra peace of mind your vehicle will run in top condition.

Preventive Measures To Avoid Oil Leaks

Oil leaks are preventive and can help avoid damage and costly repairs to your vehicle’s engine. Following these steps can help avoid oil leaks:

• Regular maintenance: Our factory-trained service technicians inspect your vehicle and look for oil leaks or potential problems that can lead to future oil leaks. Consistent check-ups preserve vehicle longevity.
• Change your oil as recommended by the manufacturer: Fresh oil has lubricating properties that help diminish friction and damage to the engine. Check your owner’s manual or speak with us about the recommended oil change schedule for your vehicle.
• Use high-grade engine oil with the proper seasonal weight: Genuine, high-grade oils and components optimize performance and last longer than subpar oils. We use top-grade oil designed to enhance performance and longevity for your specific vehicle.

Bringing your vehicle to us for regular maintenance and preventive care is a breeze. Simply give us a call at 850-905-5509 to schedule an appointment, whether you need an oil change or more detailed repairs.

Schedule Your Service With Allen Turner Hyundai Today

Leaking engine oil has the potential for costly damage to your vehicle. As soon as you notice any of the symptoms of an oil leak, such as stains on your garage floor or the smell of burning oil, have our technicians inspect and repair the problem. If left unchecked, oil leaks can worsen over time and lead to more damage. Keep up on your regular maintenance, and alert us if you notice something is wrong with your vehicle. Contact our team or give us a call at 850-905-5509 today to schedule a service appointment for your vehicle’s proactive maintenance.

a car parked on a road by Hyundai Motor Group is licensed with Unsplash License