Oil Leak Under the Engine

Puddles or fresh oil drops on the asphalt under your car are a common sign of a breach in the lubrication system. Ignoring this issue can lead to engine oil starvation and costly repairs.

Likely causes — most common first

Wear of the Oil Pan Gasket

The seal under the oil pan (the metal or plastic reservoir at the bottom of the engine) dries out, cracks, or deforms due to heat over time, causing oil to seep out.

How to check:Look under your car with a flashlight: if the bottom of the pan is wet and dripping, the problem is likely here.

Leak Through the Crankshaft or Camshaft Seals

The seals (rubber rings that seal the rotating shafts) lose elasticity over time and leak oil under pressure.

How to check:Pay attention to the front of the engine near the belts or timing chain - characteristic oil streaks will appear there.

Damage to the Valve Cover Gasket

The upper engine cover is sealed with a rubber gasket that becomes brittle over time and fails to hold oil, especially with temperature changes.

How to check:Open the hood and inspect the top of the engine. If you see wet marks or oil collecting in the spark plug wells, the cause is here.

Loose or Stripped Drain Plug

During the last oil change, the plug in the oil pan might not have been tightened properly, overtightened, or an old seal was used.

How to check:Check the area around the drain plug underneath: if drops are collecting right on it, try tightening it or replacing the seal.

Mechanical Damage to the Engine Pan

Hitting an obstacle, a rock, or a high curb can cause a crack in the engine pan, through which oil leaks out.

How to check:Look at the engine protection or the pan itself for visible dents, cracks, and signs of impact.

Parts most often replaced for this symptom

CORTECO 418401P

Kit gaskets (top) Renault Trafic/Opel Vivaro 1.9dCi 01- (without gaskets GBPS)

Victor Reinz 71-34327-00

Gasket oil pan FORD Fiesta,Focus,Tourneo Connect,Transit Connect 1,8TDCI 99-

1 150 UAH

ELRING 458.730

Kit gaskets with various materials

2 684 UAH

ELRING 231.851

Part body ENGINE (cover TIMING)

2 077 UAH

FEBI BILSTEIN 01171

01171 FEBI - Boot driven shaft

Gasket pan Audi 80 1.3 -81/VW Caddy II 1.6 95-00

336 UAH

BILSTEIN 19-194486

Shock absorber (rear) VW Touareg 02-10 (pressure gas) (B4)

5 690 UAH

Frequently asked questions

Can I drive my car if oil is dripping from the engine?

Only if you've checked the level with the dipstick and it's within the norm, and the leak is very minor. If oil is leaking quickly - driving is forbidden, or the engine will run out of lubricant.

How much does it cost to fix an oil leak?

The price depends on which seal has failed and how much time is required to disassemble nearby components. For example, replacing the oil pan gasket costs differently than replacing the front engine seals due to access complexity.

Can an oil leak fix itself?

No, rubber seals and gaskets become harder over time, and gaps increase. The problem will only worsen.

How often should I check the oil level when I see leaks?

It's recommended to check the level with the dipstick every morning before starting the engine, until you've fixed the leak cause at the service.

This material is for reference only and does not replace a hands-on inspection. The final verdict on the fault and on whether the car is safe to drive is made by a mechanic after diagnosing the vehicle.