Don’t Ignore That Oil Leak: What Highland Park Drivers Need to Know

What to do when you notice oil under your car.

If you’ve noticed oil spots in your driveway or a burning smell coming from your engine, you could be dealing with an oil leak. While it might seem minor, ignoring an oil leak can lead to serious engine damage and expensive repairs. At Blue Sky Tire & Auto Service in Highland Park, IL, we help drivers quickly diagnose and repair oil leaks before they turn into bigger issues.

Common Causes of Oil Leaks

1. Worn-Out Gaskets or Seals

Rubber gaskets and seals are designed to prevent oil from escaping, but over time they break down due to heat and pressure. Valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets, and camshaft seals are some of the most common leak points.

2. Oil Filter or Drain Plug Issues

Improper installation or a worn-out oil filter gasket can cause leaks. Likewise, a loose or stripped drain plug can let oil seep out slowly.

3. Cracked Oil Pan

Your oil pan sits at the bottom of the engine and is vulnerable to cracks from road debris or hard impacts. A damaged oil pan can lead to slow leaks or total oil loss.

4. Rear Main Seal Leaks

This is one of the more severe and labor-intensive leaks. A faulty rear main seal can leak oil into the bellhousing of manual transmissions, damaging your clutch and creating unsafe driving conditions.

What Happens If You Don’t Fix It?

Letting an oil leak go unresolved can result in:

• Low Oil Levels – leading to engine overheating or seizing
• Clutch Damage – especially if oil leaks into the bellhousing of a manual transmission
• Engine Misfires – oil can leak onto spark plugs and disrupt combustion
• Fire Hazards – oil dripping onto hot components can ignite
• Environmental Harm – leaking oil contaminates driveways, roads, and waterways
  
  

Signs You May Have an Oil Leak

• Dark puddles or stains under your vehicle
• Burning oil smell
• Smoke from the engine bay
• Frequent low oil warning lights
• Visible oil on engine components
  
  

Why Highland Park Drivers Trust Blue Sky Tire & Auto

At Blue Sky Tire & Auto Service, our ASE-certified technicians are equipped to pinpoint the exact source of the leak and repair it correctly the first time. We service all makes and models and offer:

• State-of-the-art diagnostic tools
• Fair and transparent pricing
• Fast turnaround times
• Honest recommendations based on your vehicle’s condition
  
  

Schedule Your Oil Leak Inspection Today

If you suspect an oil leak, don’t wait. Bring your vehicle to Blue Sky Tire & Auto Service in Highland Park, IL for a full inspection and expert repair. We’ll get you safely back on the road and help protect your engine from unnecessary damage.