How Much Does It Cost To Fix A Car Oil Leak?

Any vehicle owner is bound to run into an occasional issue. Be it a faulty thermometer, brake fluid leaks, or a faulty suspension. These are all common problems that consumers experience. And while there’s no shame in encountering these issues, some of them tend to hit your wallet in a major way and take a significant amount of time to deal with. So, it’s a good idea to always come prepared. 

It is especially true in our case here, as the engine is the heart of your vehicle. An oil leak could spell trouble for the driver in the long run and lead to a costly set of repairs and replacements. So, to help you avoid that, let’s talk about the problem in-depth. 

Motor Oil And Its Role

Like any other engine part, oil plays a significant role in ensuring car health. Its first and foremost function is lubrication, which releases the heat caused by friction and combustion. Oil also greatly assists in keeping the engine clean as microscopic deposits build up in the engine. The liquid flow carries them over to the filter and traps them there. 

Engine oil ensures protection from corrosion. Fuel combustion generates corrosive acid and damages metal parts in the engine. Oil slows it down and seals the pistons and cylinders, forming a protective layer. 

Long-term benefits include but are not limited to longer engine lifespan, proper functioning, and decreased fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. 

Is Oil Leak A Serious Issue?

It is and, as we mentioned in the introduction, can lead to some severe damage. Oil leaks can degrade the engine, radiator heating, and cooling system, potentially causing harm to the environment.

It should go without saying that you shouldn’t even be getting behind the wheel in such a scenario. Your car may spontaneously catch fire due to the leakage, and this is a situation best avoided. 

What Can Cause The Leak? 

There are quite a few things that could cause the motor oil to spill. And while it will be difficult for you to pinpoint the exact one, you should at least know where to look. So, if you see a puddle of oil or notice it leaking, potential causes may include:

• Degraded Oil Filter. These tend to degrade over time; for instance, the housing can get damaged, causing the leak, or the pressure from the engine can cause it to become loose. Additionally, if it was installed too tightly, it could’ve damaged the gasket and made the leak occur. 

• Failing Gasket. Gaskets help retain fluids in certain engine areas but tend to wear out. You should start having problems until you hit 100,000 miles driven, but it may change if you go too hard on the engine. 

• Broken Oil Filter Cap. If you see the puddles forming near the engine or under the car, your cap can be at fault. These tend to break easily when removed and become loose, or the mechanic may forget to put it back on. 

• Too Much Oil. This one is straightforward: too much oil went into the engine. All you need to do is remove the excess. But if that’s not the case, you may have spilled some in the process. All you have to do is just clean up the mess, and the leak will go away. 

• Failing Crankshaft Seals. You’ll notice the crankshaft protruding at both ends of the engine. At these mounting points are seals, which prevent the oil from leaking. If the oil is in the front of the motor by the belt, then the front seal is at fault. The rear seal is the culprit if it’s between the engine and transmission. 

How Much Does It Cost To Fix The Leak?

As motor oil leakage is a serious issue, the service price is around $85-$155, but can increase depending on what’s wrong. Plus, there’s an added labor cost between $70 and $1120.

Out of all the causes mentioned, only numbers 4 and 3 won’t hit your wallet too hard. Others, however, can have a compounding effect, increasing the costs to about $1000 and beyond. Because of that, it’s always a good idea to take care of your vehicle beforehand and bring it in for repairs and maintenance as soon as possible. 

Summary

A motor oil leak is a serious issue caused by a faulty oil filter, failing gasket or crankshaft seals, or simple errors during routine maintenance. If you’re lucky, it may cost you as low as $85, but the sum can quickly increase depending on your situation. So, pay due diligence and try to fix the problem as soon as you notice leakage or oil puddles forming.

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