Should you worry about an oil leak?

 Have you ever taken a good look at your driveway and noticed that where you usually park, there are oil stains on the pavement? Motor oil leaks happen, but sometimes drivers ignore the stains and figure a small leak is no big deal. However, even a small motor oil leak can do big-time damage to your car engine. Toyota of Orlando is here to explain! 

What causes a motor oil leak? 

Basically, if you have an oil leak in your car, it's because something isn't functioning properly. The main causes of motor oil leaks include: 

• Degraded engine gaskets 
• Worn out seals 
• A loose oil pan drain plug 
• Worn valve cover gaskets 
• A leaky oil pan 

Needless to say, if left unattended, a small motor oil leak can quickly develop into a much larger one. And that can mean major issues in quite a few areas, including: 

• Damage to your engine. A motor oil leak can damage your Orlando Toyota's engine as well as your radiator AND HVAC system. Oil can start to accumulate in areas and wear out seals and hoses faster. Additionally, they can cause your engine to seize and fail while you're driving, which is dangerous for both you and your passengers. Finally, oil is flammable, which means you're at a higher risk for fire. 
• Environmental damage. Additionally, motor oil leaks are bad for the environment. Oil is full of chemicals so when it leaks onto your driveway, it can be washed away by rainwater or irrigation and find its way into runoff and waterways, which is bad for nature in general. 

So how do you know if you have a motor oil leak? Here are some common signs you need Orlando Toyota service for this issue: 

• Puddles of oil under your car when it's parked 
• Low oil levels - when you pull your dipstick out to check the oil, the level is too low when it shouldn't be 
• Blue smoke coming from under the hood or exhaust 
• A strong burning smell when the engine is running 

Take care of any and all auto service issues at Toyota of Orlando

If you notice any of the above signs, it's time to visit Toyota of Orlando for auto service! We're open seven days a week at (407) 298-0001 and we're conveniently located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road.