Oil changes are a simple and effective auto maintenance task, yet it is still overlooked by many drivers. We hope our blog clears the air on how important it is to keep your vehicle up-to-date with its oil changes. Read on to learn more about the benefits of running with clean motor oil and what might happen if you don't take care of your engine (Spoiler Alert: leaks).
High-quality and clean engine oil minimizes friction within the engine. It stops corrosion from forming within the engine and lubricates many engine components. As oil gets dirty from sitting in the engine over time, it becomes less effective, leading to wear and tear on these parts. Therefore, if it's been a long time since you've had an oil change, you may notice some troubling signs. In bad cases, you may see a puddle of dark oil under your parked car, also known as an oil leak.
Common Causes of Oil Leaks
Blown Head Gasket
The head gasket separates coolant and motor oil in the engine. If your engine runs too hot, or insufficiently, the gasket can be blown and lead to leaks. You'd have to replace the gasket to keep driving your car.
Bad Oil Filter
If the filter is impaired or dirty, a leak may occur.
Fractured Oil Pan
Most oil pans get damaged from an accident, like hitting a pothole or rock on the road. When the oil pan is punctured or dented, it can eventually lead to a loss in oil.
Worn Gaskets and Seals
Over time, the heat from your engine can cause enough pressure to wear down its seals and gaskets, components that are critical in keeping the fluid contained. If there are any gaps in your seals, oil can leak out of your car.
Not only can the team at SCC Performance perform all your oil changes, but we will use the opportunity to check for signs of trouble under the hood too. Our professional technicians can check for leaks and other repairs you may need.
If you notice an oil leak with your vehicle, please bring your car to SCC Performance for repairs. Our trained technicians are available to pinpoint the leak and present you with an effective, competitively-priced solution. Please give us a call or visit soon if you have any questions.
