2880 Acton Road,
Oil Leak Repair and Services at Franklin Automotive in Birmingham
Oil is referred to as the lifeblood of your engine and is responsible for lubricating moving parts, removing contaminants, and preventing overheating. That’s why when an oil leak happens in cars, it’s not only just a loss of fluid, but a precursor to a severe and fatal engine problem in your car. Don’t stress! Franklin Automotive provides quality, accurate oil leak repair and maintenance services in Birmingham. Visit our shop with your imported car and have our auto specialist resolve the oil leak issue.
Signs Your Car is Leaking Engine Oil
The primary cause of engine oil leaks is degraded gaskets and seals, which are damaged by age and repeated heat cycles. Other factors, such as an improperly installed or old and worn-out oil filter, a damaged or loose drain plug, a damaged oil pan, or high oil pressure, can also cause oil leaks in cars.
- Upon occurrence, the oil leak exhibits various malfunction symptoms. Understand, recognize, and act on these symptoms before they cause severe damage to your car. These signs are;
- Whenever you park for a long time or overnight in Birmingham, you’ll see a puddle of dark brown or black, greasy fluid under the car.
- If you notice a pungent, acrid smell after driving, it’s a sign the vehicle is leaking engine oil. The smell occurs when leaked oil lands on hot components, such as the exhaust manifold.
- When leaked oil enters the combustion chamber, it burns along with the fuel. This results in a blue or grayish colored smoke from the exhaust.
- Engine oil leakage obviously reduces the oil level in the oil reservoir. The oil pressure sensor detects a drop in oil pressure and indicates a low oil level on the dashboard warning light.
- This also causes the vehicle to need frequent oil changes, as the oil drains quickly due to leakage.
- Whenever you open the engine, you’ll see that parts of it are covered with oil grime, an indicator of leaked oil in that area.
Diagnosis and Repair of Oil Leaks in Birmingham
The technicians at our facility, Franklin Automotive, in Birmingham, are ASE-certified, expertly trained, and have years of experience finding and resolving import-car issues. We use factory-grade diagnostic equipment and repair tools to deliver top-notch diagnostics and repairs. Here is how we address the oil leak;
Diagnostic Procedures
Diagnosing the malfunction is the first step toward any effective repair. For oil leaks, the diagnosis at our shop in Birmingham involves identifying the source of the leak. The engine is degreased and cleaned, and the following inspections are conducted. A visual inspection of the valve cover, oil filter, and drain plug is conducted for fresh signs of oil leakage. For hard-to-catch leaks, a special fluorescent dye is added to the engine oil. The vehicle is driven for some time, and the oil is allowed to circulate throughout the system. The engine components are inspected using UV light, and the position of the leak is determined.
Common Repair Procedures
After identifying the source of the leak, repair procedures are followed depending on the type and extent of the leak. These could include washer or filter sealing, valve cover gasket replacement, oil pan gasket replacement, or rear main seal replacement. Although oil leak repairs are widely available, it is best to prevent the malfunction from occurring in the first place. For this, you can visit our shop, Franklin Automotive in Birmingham, and avail yourself of our oil service. Under that service, we offer engine oil and related component maintenance to prevent oil leaks and ensure the longevity of the engine oil.
Serving Birmingham and Beyond
All repairs and other services at our shop are backed by a 12-month/12,000-mile repair warranty, which we offer to our customers. With these, we also provide various amenities such as shuttle service within 10 miles, loaner cars, free key fob battery replacement, free tire rotations for Life of Tires with tire purchase, and a comfortable waiting area with WiFi when you choose our shop. Visit our shop at 2880 Action Road in Birmingham, as we offer services to import car owners from
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes oil leaks?
Common causes of oil leaks include worn or cracked seals and gaskets, a damaged oil pan, a loose oil filter or drain plug, high engine pressure, or age- and wear-related issues with engine components.
What does the color of the oil leak indicate?
The color of the leaked oil can provide clues about issues with the car can provide clues. Darker brown/black oil indicates degraded oil. Amber-colored oil is fresh oil; if the oil is milky, the coolant is also leaking and mixing with the engine oil.
Can an oil filter cause a leak?
Yes, a loose, improperly installed, or damaged oil filter can cause an oil leak.
