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Oil leak under the car
Medium — fix within days
You find dark brown or black spots on the ground where you park, and the oil level on the dipstick keeps dropping between oil changes.
Possible causes
- Worn valve cover gasket — Most likely
Check first: Look at the top of the engine. Fresh oil around the edges of the valve cover points to a worn gasket. - Oil pan gasket leak — Possible
Check first: Look under the engine. Oil coating the bottom of the oil pan, or a dark puddle under the car, points to the pan gasket. - Loose drain plug or oil filter — Possible
Check first: Look at the drain plug and the oil filter. Oil dripping from either one, especially right after an oil change, means it is loose.
Questions, answered
What usually causes this?
The most likely causes are: Worn valve cover gasket; Oil pan gasket leak; Loose drain plug or oil filter. If you are not sure what is wrong, have it checked by a qualified technician.
Is it safe to drive with this symptom?
Drive with caution and book a check within days. Do not ignore it.
Not repair advice. If you are not sure what is wrong, have it checked by a qualified technician. Cars differ by make, model and year.
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