5 Signs Your Vehicle’s Oil Pan is Leaking

Engine oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle. Without it, your car simply can’t run. Therefore, it’s crucial to keep your oil levels topped up at all times. Even a small leak can have disastrous consequences if not caught early on. Here are five signs your oil pan has a leak.

1. The low oil warning light comes on

   If the low oil warning light illuminates on your dashboard, don’t ignore it! This is often the first sign that something is wrong and needs to be investigated. Bring your car to a professional immediately. Continuing to drive your vehicle after the oil light comes on can potentially damage the engine.

2. You see a puddle of oil under your car

   If you pull your car out of the driveway and see a puddle of dark brown or black fluid underneath the engine, you may have an oil leak. The larger the stain, the more severe the leak. Bring your car to your nearest mechanic to have it looked at.

3. Your oil level has dropped unexpectedly

   You may have an oil pan leak if you notice a low dipstick reading soon after changing your oil. You shouldn’t have to top off the oil between changes. Take your car to a mechanic to get to the root of the problem.

4. Your engine is overheating

   Along with coolant, the oil helps keep your engine cool by reducing friction. If the oil level drops, it can cause the engine to overheat. If the engine light appears on your dashboard or your hood starts to smoke, your engine may be overheating from low oil levels. Don’t drive any further!

5. You notice a burning smell coming from the engine

   When oil drips onto the outside of your engine, it creates an unpleasant burning smell. If you suddenly smell an acrid odour, you likely have a leak and may need to repair your oil pan.

Even if you think the leak isn’t severe enough to get fixed right away, it’ll only worsen with time. Therefore, it should be addressed and remedied as soon as possible. Running your engine without the proper amount of oil can lead to costly engine trouble and unexpected breakdowns.

Full-Service Oil Changes and Repairs in Vancouver and BC

Minit-Tune & Brake Auto Centres offers affordable, quick and convenient oil change services for customers across British Columbia. Our trained mechanics can fix oil leaks, suggest the right type of oil for your vehicle and set up an oil change schedule, so you never run into any problems. Contact us today — you’re likely within 20 minutes of the most reliable car mechanics in your area.