Why Is My Car Leaking Oil? Causes, Symptoms, and What to Do

Noticed oil spots on your driveway? Smell something burning while driving? Oil leaks are one of the most common engine problems — and they can lead to much more serious issues if ignored.

At Peers Auto Spares, we help drivers across South Africa understand what oil leaks mean, how to spot them, and how to fix them with the right parts. This blog gives you everything you need to know.

🛢️ Why Is Engine Oil So Important?

Your engine relies on oil to:

  • Lubricate moving parts
  • Reduce heat and friction
  • Protect components from wear

When oil leaks, your engine runs dry, and that can cause damage, overheating, and even engine failure.

🔍 Common Signs of an Oil Leak

Here’s how to tell if your car is leaking oil:

  • Puddles or stains under the engine area
  • Burning oil smell
  • Smoke from under the hood or tailpipe
  • Low oil level despite recent top-up
  • Warning light on your dashboard

If you notice any of these signs, inspect your engine right away.

🔧 What Causes Oil Leaks?

1. Worn or Damaged Oil Filter

An oil filter keeps debris out of your engine. If it’s loose, cracked, or not properly fitted, oil can leak around the seal.

🧰 Replace your oil filter regularly during services to prevent this problem.

2. Old or Broken Gaskets and Seals

Your engine has several gaskets (like the valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and head gasket) that seal oil in. Over time, they wear out or become brittle.

Clues:

  • Oil dripping from the engine sides or bottom
  • Oil on the engine block
  • Oil smell while driving

🔧 We stock gasket kits and engine seals — reach out for parts that match your specific vehicle.

3. Loose or Cracked Oil Pan

The oil pan at the bottom of your engine holds the oil. If it’s been hit or the bolts have loosened, oil can leak directly onto the road.

Watch for:

  • Oil dripping after hitting a pothole or speed bump
  • Consistent leak at the bottom of the engine

4. Overfilled Oil

Too much oil in the engine can cause pressure build-up, leading to blown seals and leaks.

Solution: Always follow your vehicle's oil level guidelines and measure oil using the dipstick.

Need to do a proper oil change? Get your oil filters and service parts from Peers Auto Spares.

5. Worn Out Engine Components

In older engines, general wear and tear can lead to leaks, especially around the crankshaft or camshaft seals.

If the leak worsens over time and oil usage is increasing, it’s time for a deeper inspection.

🧰 DIY Fixes You Can Try

Some leaks are minor and can be resolved with:

  • New oil filter and proper fitting
  • Tightening oil pan bolts
  • Using high-mileage oil with seal conditioners

But larger leaks — especially around gaskets or seals — require part replacement.

🔧 We can help you find affordable oil filters, gaskets, and spark plugs to keep your engine sealed and running smooth.

🔄 How to Prevent Future Oil Leaks

  • Change your oil filter at every service
  • Use the correct engine oil type
  • Don’t overfill oil
  • Watch for signs of aging seals
  • Replace worn spark plugs and filters to prevent incomplete combustion and pressure build-up

🛒 Browse full service kits including air, oil, and fuel filters, plus spark plugs — delivered across South Africa.

🚗 Related Products to Keep Your Engine Healthy

  • Oil filters for all major brands
  • Air and fuel filters for proper combustion
  • Spark plugs to reduce oil fouling
  • Gasket kits and sealing solutions
  • Engine degreasers and additives

🔍 Visit our store to find the right fit for your car — we’re always ready to help.

✅ Final Thoughts

An oil leak isn’t something to ignore — even a small drip can lead to major engine trouble. Luckily, most causes are affordable and easy to fix with the right parts and basic maintenance.

At Peers Auto Spares, we supply:

  • Trusted engine service parts
  • Affordable prices
  • Fast nationwide delivery

🔧 Shop online now or contact us for help choosing the right parts to stop that oil leak for good.

SEO Keywords: why is my car leaking oil, engine oil leak South Africa, oil filter leak, oil on driveway car, Peers Auto Spares oil parts, oil filter replacement SA

Back to blog