Are you noticing a strange fluid coming from the engine of your car? Are those spots on your driveway becoming increasingly larger and darker? A car engine leaking is never something to be taken lightly. Your vehicle’s lifetime depends heavily on having good maintenance done regularly, and not addressing a problem like this could lead to severe engine damage in the long run. Your Frederick, MD Toyota dealer has all of the information you need to know about what causes engine leakage.
Top Reasons for an Engine Leak
1. Damaged Gasket
An engine is an intricate system made up of multiple components, and every component relies on one another to keep the engine running. A crucial part of that system is gaskets, which help to seal the surfaces between the various parts within the engine. Examples of these gaskets include the valve cover gasket, cylinder head gasket, timing cover gasket, and oil pan gasket. When one of these becomes damaged, it can create a leak in your engine.
2. Leaking Oil Filter
An oil filter is responsible for maintaining a supply of clean and uncontaminated oil to various parts of the engine. If this filter gets damaged and begins to leak, then you’ll be able to see leakage from your engine. It’s crucial to take preventive measures to avoid having a leaky oil filter, such as replacing the filter at regular intervals. Usually, the filter should be replaced with every oil change.
3. Loose Drain Plug
It may come as a surprise, but a loose drain plug can be the source of an engine oil leak. Over time, the drain plug can become untightened due to vibration, thermal expansion, or even poor installation after an oil change. If left unchecked, this could allow oil to leak from the pan.
4. Worn Seal
Besides damaged gaskets, a worn-out crankshaft seal or camshaft seal can cause your engine to leak. The crankshaft helps to guide and convert the linear motion of the pistons into rotational motion, a task that requires incredible wear resistance to ensure the gaskets and seals don’t break down easily. If a crankshaft seal is worn down, you may begin to notice a pool of oil beneath your car.
How Much Does It Cost to Repair an Engine Oil Leak at Your Toyota Dealer in MD?
The cost of repairing an engine oil leak will depend on the cause and extent of the damage. Upon inspection, we’ll be able to provide you with an accurate quotation of the repair cost.
At DARCARS Toyota of Frederick, we offer a full range of car maintenance, from simple tune-ups to complex repairs. We also offer parts and service specials that may save you money as well. If you think your vehicle has an engine leak or any other mechanical issue, stop by DARCARS Toyota of Frederick for diagnosis.
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