How Much Does It Cost To Fix an Oil Leak?
Image by Ryan Doka from Pixabay
When you own a car, checking your oil is just one of those things that you have to get used to monitoring. That said, even if you check and change your oil regularly, it’s still possible to experience oil leaks. You need oil to keep your car running smoothly, so it’s imperative that you know the signs to look for before it’s too late.
Just how much does it cost to fix an oil leak, why should you stop them fast, and what signs should you look for? We’ll give you the scoop below.
What Causes Oil Leaks?
Your car is a complicated piece of machinery. There are a ton of things that go together to ensure that it runs smooth and that it’s at the optimal temperature to get you from point A to point B. Still, you could have a minor or severe oil leak caused by several factors. The most common include:
- Worn out engine gaskets
- Oil pan leaks
- Worn out seals
Checking these parts requires you to know where they are on the vehicle and how to check for oil. First, check your oil levels to see how much you have. You can do that by checking your dipstick to see if it’s moist or dry. If you notice it’s dry and crusty, you could have an oil leak on your hands.
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Effects of an Oil Leak
When your car is showing signs of leaking oil, you’ll want to act fast. Oil leaks can harm your vehicle *and* the environment. Here’s what could happen:
Car Overheating
The most common effect of an oil leak is overheating. Your car needs to maintain a certain amount of oil to power the engine and keep things running smooth. If your car overheats, it might not start, or worse. For instance, you could be looking at much more costly repairs, including a damaged engine, radiator, or transmission in the long run.
Leakage into Water Sources
When oil leaks onto your driveway, it leaves a nasty stain that is next to impossible to scrub away. That’s because there are powerful substances that essentially degrade and erode the things around them. There could be traces of lead, zinc, and arsenic in oil, all of which can be harmful to your health if ingested. If you let your oil leak too long, it could seep into unground water steams and cause health issues.
Fire Hazard
Due to the mixture of things that are going on inside your engine while you drive, keeping your car dried out from oil could be a fire hazard. Driving your vehicle without the recommended amount of oil could cause damage to the engine and even make it catch fire in extreme circumstances.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix an Oil Leak?
So, how much does it cost to fix an oil leak? As you can tell, there are many different types and several different areas in your car which it can affect. Like most car repairs, the faster you take care of the problem, the better off you will be and the more money you will save.
Early On
If you catch an oil leak in your car early on, you’re looking at very low costs. Likely, your dealer or mechanic will only need to replace the worn-out pieces, including gaskets or oil seals. These items are not expensive and pretty easy to find, costing around $5-$10 a pop. Add in the labor costs, and it could be a little more, but that depends on your area.
Later On
If you wait until later, you’ll have a little bit of a higher bill to take care of. Plus, it just depends on what part of your car has the most damage. If it’s the engine, you could be looking at thousands of dollars. It might cost you less if it’s the radiator, but still no less than $300. The higher cost comes from the fact that you may have to order and replace an entire part. Then, factor in labor costs, and you’re looking at a big bill that could be difficult to pay.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU REPLACE YOUR BRAKES?
Unless you’re a mechanic or super-dedicated car enthusiast, you might not know much about the brakes on your car. How long do they typically last? How often should you replace your brakes? We’ve got answers
Preventing Oil Leaks
Because oil leaks worsen over time, it’s recommended to take preventative measures before it’s too late. To prevent an oil leak and keep the costs from adding up, here are a few preventive measures you can take.
Regular Oil Changes
There are so many reasons why you should change your oil often. One of them is, of course, to check for leaks. When changing your oil, technicians will look at the health and replace your oil and filter all in one go.
Pick the Right Oil
Don’t just pick up any oil for your car. Always check your user’s manual before adding just any old oil. Your engine could be better with one than another, and adding the wrong one could cause costly damages.
Inspect Often
It sounds like a hassle but, you should get your car inspected every once in a while. It’s always good to know what’s happening under the hood and whether or not something needs to be changed. The longer you leave things uncovered, the worse the damages and the higher the cost of repairs.
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Fix Problems Before They Start
Your vehicle is a machine that has a lot of parts. These parts require small things here and there to start running in optimal shape. Always keep your car well maintained and checked up, stopping issues before they start.
Catching oil leaks early, you can avoid a number of issues, including effects on your health and wallet. So to keep your car running smooth and healthy for the long run, watch out for oil leaks and start them before they turn into a bigger issue.
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