Engine oil leaks are a common concern for vehicle owners, but do you know what to do if you spot one? Keep reading to learn what to do if you have an oil leak from North American Wholesale in Corpus Christi.  

The Importance of Engine Oil

For your car’s engine to work correctly, engine oil is essential. Engine oil is considered the lifeblood of your vehicle as it protects your engine from excessive wear by lubricating it and preventing its moving parts from causing friction when rubbing together. Oil levels inside the engine are also significant, as low oil levels could prevent it from doing its job effectively. While engine oil leaks are a common issue in many cars, it's no less concerning. The most common way car owners notice leaks is when they see oil puddles underneath their vehicles. If this is the case, it’s best to visit your trusted mechanic’s garage as soon as possible to avoid damage to your engine.

The best way to keep your engine in top condition is by having a regular maintenance routine. The experts at North American Wholesale can help you choose the best products for your car, like AMSOIL's Signature Series 0W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil. Give them a call at (866) 580-1008 or place an order at AMSOIL's online shop anytime.

Common Causes for an Oil Leak

There are many reasons for oil leaks from your engine, and while some you can catch yourself, others are harder to spot. This is where the help of a professional mechanic can come in handy. That said, let’s go over some of the most common causes of an oil leak so you can keep your eye out for them:

• One reason you might have an oil leak is a worn oil filter. This is common if you skip an oil filter change. The best way to address this type of leak is to change your oil filter and continue doing so as often as your car’s manufacturer suggests. This will also help keep your vehicle in good condition for longer.
• Another common reason for an oil leak is a valve cover gasket failure. This happens when your cover gasket is damaged because of time and use. After a while, gaskets can shrink, wear down or have cracks in them. This means they will stop retaining oil and being as efficient as they used to be, causing leaks.
• A leak between your car’s engine block and the cylinder head means that your cylinder head gasket has failed. This also means that the head gasket needs to be changed.
• Lastly, you may have a leak coming from your oil pan gasket. This gasket seals fluid between the engine and the oil pan; if it fails, it will leak.

Using top-shelf products is one of the best ways to keep your car running and in good condition for longer. For advice on the best products, call North American Wholesale at (866) 580-1008, and one of their oil pros will help you in no time. Once you’re ready, place your order at AMSOIL's online shop anytime!

How to Spot a Leak

There are different ways to spot a leak depending on where it's located inside your engine. As mentioned before, the most common way is a puddle under your car, but others aren’t as visible and could cause issues to your engine. Here are a few signs that could help you catch one in time:

• Low oil levels: Other than oil stains, low oil levels are the most common signs of an oil leak. If it happens frequently, you might have hidden engine oil leaks, and your best bet is to visit a mechanic to find the source of the leak.
• Burnt oil smell: Smells are a great source of information about your car, and burnt oil is one of the most recognizable. If you’re driving and you constantly smell burnt oil, there’s a good chance it’s coming from your engine and could mean you have a leak.
• Oil stains on the engine: Last but not least, if you inspect your engine and see brown oily puddles around its components, these are telltale signs of an oil leak. If you spot these stains, it’s a good idea also to check your car’s undercarriage to spot any leaks.

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Next Steps

If you spot an oil leak, the best thing to do is to visit your trusted mechanic as soon as possible to find the source and address it before it becomes a more significant issue. Oil leaks are a serious issue and can quickly turn into an expensive problem to repair. Also, remember that the best way to prevent leaks is to have a regular maintenance routine to catch any engine problems before they become significant.

Catching oil leaks is easier when you have a good maintenance routine. For advice on the best products, call North American Wholesale at (866) 580-1008 or visit AMSOIL's online shop to see their full range of products.