Table of Contents
30 October 2025 (updated) Car leaking oil: causes and repair cost
An oil leak in your car can be caused by several things, including a worn gasket, damaged oil pan or faulty seals. Repair costs vary greatly depending on the severity of the problem, with minor repairs being more affordable than more complex ones.
Why is my car leaking oil: causes
Vehicle oil or motor lubricant leaks happen when the oil filter gradually becomes loose or if the oil gasket isn’t securely fastened. Most of the time, tightening the filter seal according to the manufacturer's guidelines should resolve the issue.
The table below outlines common causes of a car leaking oil and suggested actions to address them. Each potential cause is accompanied by a recommended solution to help you resolve the issue efficiently.
|
Situation |
Possible Causes |
Recommended Actions |
|
Oil leaking from the car when parked |
Damaged gasket, worn seals, loose oil bolts or filter |
Inspect car gaskets and seals, tighten oil bolts or replace the filter |
|
Car leaking oil when running |
Damaged oil pan, a leak from the valve cover gasket, worn seals |
Check the car oil pan, and valve cover gasket, and replace worn seals |
|
Car leaking oil after overheating |
Gasket deformation due to heat, damaged oil cooler, cracks in the engine |
Check gaskets, and oil cooler, and inspect the engine for cracks |
Sold by AUTODOC Sold by AUTODOC Sold by AUTODOC Sold by AUTODOC Sold by AUTODOC
-27%
Article number: 5011987001831
More
compared to
RRP
£22.73
£16.49
£16.49
for 1 litre
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
VAG Engine oil
0W-30, 1l
Article number: GS55545M2
£12.49
£12.49
for 1 litre
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
-20%
Article number: 83212365929
More
compared to
RRP
£20.67
£16.49
£16.49
for 1 litre
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
BOSCH Oil filter
M 20 x 1,5, Spin-on Filter
Article number: F 026 407 210
£5.59price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
BOSCH Oil filter
Filter Insert
Article number: 1 457 429 249
£5.59price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
How to know if your car is leaking oil: symptoms
There are subtle signs that your car may be leaking oil, from small visual clues to changes in your car's performance.
5 signs your car could be leaking oil:
- Low oil pressure warning light: If your dashboard oil pressure light comes on, it could indicate a drop in the fluid level.
- Unusual appearance: Fresh engine oil is typically amber in colour, but leaking oil may appear darker or have a gritty texture.
- Low levels: Check your oil dipstick and finding low levels could indicate that fluid is escaping.
- Burning smell: If you smell a burning odour, it could mean that oil is leaking onto hot engine parts.
- Dark spots or puddles under the car: Dark brown or black stains under your parked car are often the most obvious signs of leakage.
Recommended Article
How to check the oil in a car: while the engine is hot or cold?
Engine oil leak locations
Engine oil seepage can originate from various parts of the engine, each with its own specific causes and implications. If you know where oil drips are likely to occur this can help you identify and deal with these issues right away. While the exact location may vary, certain areas are more prone to leakage than others.
Common reasons for car oil leaks:
- Drain plug: A worn or damaged plug can result in oil seeping out.
- Filler cap: A loose or damaged cap may allow oil to escape.
- Valve cover gasket: A worn gasket can cause leakage around the edges of the engine.
- Too much oil: Overfilling creates, leading to the fluid escaping.
- Crankcase ventilation: Malfunctions can increase pressure, causing leakage.
- Head gasket: A damaged gasket can allow oil to escape internally or externally.
- Crankshaft/camshaft seals: Worn seals can cause leakage from the engine.
- Oil cooler: Damage to the cooler or lines can allow the fluid to leak.
Recommended Article
Motor engine oil
Engine gasket oil leak on top of engine
Forming a barrier between the engine block and the oil pan, the oil pan gasket helps contain the oil. Some signs of a faulty gasket include reduced oil levels, an overheating engine, and a noticeable puddle under the vehicle. If you see oil escaping from the top of the engine, this could point to an issue with the valve cover gasket which you should check and perhaps replace.
How long can a car be driven with a leak?
You can drive briefly with a small oil leak, such as from a valve cover gasket. A minor leak might lead to occasional smoke if oil reaches the combustion chamber, allowing you to continue driving for a short period. However, driving with an internal leak – especially one between the oil and coolant – is not advisable for long.
How much do you have to spend to fix an oil leak?
The price of repairing an oil leak is largely dependent on the location and how bad the leak is. Simple issues, like a loose oil drain plug, are often inexpensive to repair. However, replacing seals or gaskets, such as those for the oil pan or valve cover, can be more costly due to labour. Here’s a table detailing common types of oil leaks and their typical repair costs.
|
Car Model |
Estimated Repair Cost |
Common Leak Causes |
|
Ford Fiesta |
£150 - £300 |
Worn oil pan gasket, valve cover gasket |
|
Volkswagen Golf |
£200 - £400 |
Leaking oil filter, damaged oil pan |
|
Vauxhall Astra |
£150 - £350 |
Worn seals, valve cover gasket |
|
BMW 3 Series |
£300 - £600 |
Cracked oil filter housing, gasket issues |
|
Nissan Qashqai |
£200 - £400 |
Damaged oil cooler, worn gaskets |
|
Audi A3 |
£250 - £500 |
Oil pan gasket leaks, oil filter issues |
|
Toyota Corolla |
£150 - £300 |
Worn seals, valve cover leaks |
|
Peugeot 208 |
£100 - £250 |
Oil pan gasket, worn seals |
|
Hyundai i30 |
£150 - £350 |
Damaged oil cooler, valve cover gasket |
|
Mercedes A-Class |
£300 - £700 |
Gasket failures, cracked oil pans |
Sold by AUTODOC Sold by AUTODOC Sold by AUTODOC Sold by AUTODOC Sold by AUTODOC
Article number: 08880-80845
More
£51.49
£10.30
for 1 litre
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
-18%
LIQUI MOLY Engine oil
5W-30, 5l
Article number: 3707
More
compared to
RRP
£71.35
£58.49
Price per item
£11.70
for 1 litre
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
BOSCH Oil filter
Filter Insert
Article number: F 026 407 205
£14.99price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
-19%
Article number: 15F7E5
More
compared to
RRP
£50.65
£40.99
£10.25
for 1 litre
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
Article number: A000989940213ALEE
More
£71.49
£14.30
for 1 litre
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
How to fix an oil leak
To repair an oil leak, identify the source and make the appropriate repairs. Here are some common steps:
- Check seals and gaskets: Replace to prevent leakage.
- Tighten or replace oil drain plug: If the drain plug is loose or defective, tighten or replace it with a new vehicle drain plug.
- Repair or replace the oil pan: Repair any damage or replace it.
- Check the oil filter: Inspect the filter and replace if it's clogged or damaged.
- Take care of corrosion or rust: Treat any corrosion or rust on engine components.
- Check and replace the PCV valve: Ensure the PCV system is working properly and replace if necessary.
- Reduce excess pressure: Eliminate pressure by checking the pressure relief valve or reducing overfill.
Recommended Article
Which engine oil for your car: correct oil
Can you fix an oil leak yourself?
A simple DIY approach to addressing an oil leak is by using a stop-leak additive or a high-mileage oil blend. These products work by conditioning and softening your car's rubber seals, which helps to stop and prevent further leaks. Keep in mind, that it might take a few hundred miles of driving for the leak to fully seal.
Top products related to this topic:
