Oil leaks
Finding where oil is leaking from, including leaks that drip onto hot exhaust parts and cause a burning smell after driving.
What this covers
Oil leaks usually start small: spots where you park, a low dipstick between changes, or a burning smell after driving when oil drips onto a hot exhaust. Gaskets and seals harden with age and heat, so older engines leak more often.
A leak that reaches the exhaust or a drive belt should be looked at soon. Oil on hot parts smokes, and oil on a belt can make it slip.
How the problem is found
Oil runs downhill and spreads, so the wet spot is often below the real source. Sometimes the area is cleaned and checked again after a short drive to confirm where the oil starts.
The repair depends on the source. A drain plug washer is a small job. A rear main seal usually means removing the transmission.
Makes this often comes up on
Oil leaks by shop
No shop has confirmed individual services online yet. Everything listed here is on TRUE’s list for all 5 shops; call the shop to confirm before you go.