It’s common for oil leaks to occur in your car, which leads to poor performance and potentially hazardous situations while driving. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid oil leaks in your car and keep it in good condition. Read on for helpful suggestions to reduce the chance of oil leaking so that your vehicle continues running and stays safe.
Keep Oil Filters Tight
The oil filters underneath the car will ensure the oil remains clean and process the fluid while the car runs. However, when the filter is loose, the oil can leak, leaving a trail or pool under the vehicle. If you replace the oil filter independently, ensure it’s secure. Over time, the rumbling of the car and bumps of the road may cause it to loosen, and you’ll need to check its tightness periodically to ensure that it isn’t causing oil to leak.
Ensure the Oil Is Clean
Clean oil is essential for a vehicle to run normally and perform well. While the oil filters will catch most contaminants, there may be times when some debris may get into different parts of the car that the oil flows through. Contaminated oil with bits of metal or dirt will eventually break down your car’s components.
A stream of contaminated oil is one of the causes of turbo failure, and a crack in the engine or a pipe will cause the oil to get into other parts of the car. This can potentially cause harm if it heats up to the point of combustion. Avoid this hazard by ensuring the oil you pour into the engine is clean. Change the oil filters every second oil change and clean the opening and the oil cap when filling up the oil tank.
Mitigate the Effects of Frost
The temperature is a common cause of oil leaks, especially in cold climates. Frosted metal will become more brittle and break when placed under too much pressure or exposed to too much vibrating.
Reduce the effects of cold temperatures by covering the car with a tarp when in storage or driving it around the block to prevent frost from creeping in. Many people in states with extreme winters use this method throughout the cold months as a reliable way to avoid oil leaks in their cars.
Make Frequent Inspections
Inspecting the car is an important task every vehicle owner should do. If a problem in the vehicle could result in an oil leak, it’s best to find the issue and resolve it before it worsens. Inspect the parts under the hood and pay close attention to the seals and gaskets since they’re more prone to oil leakage.
Oil leaks are common among many vehicles, but you still have the power to avoid them. Use these tips to help you keep your car’s oil where it belongs and drive on the road without the stress of a possible leak.