Improve Vehicle Performance

Useful Tips 0n How to Trace Engine Oil Leaks

Engine oil leaks are the most common form of leaks found in a car. These leaks can be seen as black spots in the driveway/garage where you park your car. It is normally advised to check the engine oil levels regularly. It can be done either by you or your mechanic. In order to know whether your car has enough engine oil to run on, use an engine oil dipstick. If there is no indication on the dipstick, then it is advised to add some oil before running the engine. If the level of the dipstick is at the “add oil” mark, then you can top it up with the leftover oil from the last service or take it to the garage to top the oil. Another aspect can be that you know that there is an oil leak but are not sure about its origin i.e. whether it comes from the power steering system, the transmission system or from the engine. For knowing the origin of the leak you will have to check the power steering fluid, engine oil and the transmission oil levels carefully for a duration of one week or consult a mechanic.

Another useful method is to place a newspaper or a cardboard just below the place where you are suspecting the leak to originate from your car. Place the paper in the night and take it out the next morning. Splash the paper with few drops of power steering fluid, engine oil and transmission oil from their respective dipsticks. You will notice a differentiation of colors in all the oils. For example, engine oil is black and transmission oil will be dark red or may be dark green. If you still are not sure then it is best advisable to take your car to a mechanic.