Types of Engine Oil Leaks (and What Each One Means)
Types of Engine Oil Leaks and How they Effect your Car's Engine!
Seeing oil under your vehicle? Not all oil leaks are the same—and some are more serious than others. At Autoville Tire & Auto Service in Mandeville, LA, we help drivers understand what kind of oil leak they’re dealing with and how urgent it is to fix.
Common Types of Engine Oil Leaks
Valve Cover Gasket Leak
This gasket seals the top of your engine. When it wears out, oil can seep down the sides of the engine block—sometimes causing a burning oil smell or smoke.
What it means:
Often a result of age and heat, this leak should be repaired to prevent oil from damaging other engine parts.
Oil Pan Gasket Leak
Your oil pan sits at the bottom of the engine and holds most of your oil. If the gasket that seals it fails, oil will slowly leak out.
What it means:
Oil on your driveway is a common symptom. If left unchecked, it can lead to low oil levels and engine damage.
Rear Main Seal Leak
This is one of the most serious oil leaks, as it occurs where the engine connects to the transmission.
What it means:
Harder to detect and more labor-intensive to repair. Ignoring it can lead to major oil loss or clutch contamination in manual vehicles.
Timing Cover Leak
This leak happens near the front of your engine and is often mistaken for other leaks.
What it means:
If left alone, it can cause oil to leak onto belts and other timing components, potentially leading to more extensive damage.
Oil Filter or Drain Plug Leak
This type of leak often happens after an oil change due to loose parts or worn washers.
What it means:
Easy to fix when caught early—but can still lead to major issues if it drains too much oil over time.
Why Identifying the Leak Type Matters
Knowing exactly where your car is leaking oil helps us:
- Provide accurate repair estimates
- Prevent further damage to engine parts
- Prioritize what needs to be fixed now versus what can wait
- Keep you and your vehicle safely on the road
Our team at Autoville Tire & Auto Service uses advanced diagnostics to quickly find and fix the leak—no guesswork involved.
Think You Have an Oil Leak?
Whether you're seeing oil spots, smelling something burning, or just running low between oil changes, it’s best to have your vehicle inspected. Leaks only get worse over time—and more expensive.
→ Learn more about our oil leak repair service in Mandeville, LA.
Schedule Your Leak Inspection Today
Don't wait for a small leak to turn into a major engine problem. Book your visit at one of our two Mandeville locations today and let us keep your engine running clean and safe.
