How To Tell If Your Car Is Losing Oil

Oil leaks can lead to serious damage if you don’t get repairs done immediately. It is not always obvious to tell if your car is losing oil. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you out. 

Dark Puddles Under Your Car

The most common sign of an oil leak is dark puddles under your car. If you see fluid dripping under your car, this is a sign of an oil leak that needs to be diagnosed immediately. The reason you need to act fast is that it is hard to tell where the oil leak is coming from. Even though it could be a simple fix, there are times when it could be a serious engine issue. It’s best to speak to a professional who can pinpoint exactly where your issues are coming from.

A Burning Smell

An oil leak does not always drip straight to the ground. Oil can drip to other areas in your car that you cannot see. You may be able to smell oil or a burning smell. Pull your vehicle over immediately if you smell anything odd and check your oil levels. Even if your oil levels look good, a burning smell is something that needs to be checked by a professional ASAP.

Low Oil Levels

Checking and changing your oil levels may seem tedious but it is important to do this regularly. It does not take a long time to check oil levels and if there are any issues, it’s always best to find them early, before they cause more damage. Checking oil levels on vehicles with a dipstick is easy. Simply remove the dipstick, wipe it down, and put it back in. Once you pull it out, check to see if your oil is below the minimum fill line. If it is, your car may have an oil leak. Some modern cars do not have a dipstick but normally have a way to check it through the vehicle's interior information system.

Check Engine/Service Soon/Engine Oil Low Warning Lights

Your check engine light should never be ignored. If the warning lights come on you need to get your oil level checked. Ignoring your check engine light can lead to engine failure, costly repairs, and possible safety hazards if your vehicle breaks down on a busy road. Pull over and get your car checked if the light comes on. 

Professional Auto Repair has trained and experienced mechanics who can help you to check your oil levels, and diagnose your vehicle’s engine and oil problems. Whether it is a small issue or serious engine failure, get your vehicle into our repair shop and we’ll help you to get back on the road.

Contact our team if your vehicle has oil leaks or engine issues!