Failure of oil system components and leaky engine gaskets are the two most frequent causes of oil leaks in Hyundai Elantras.
In This Article...
Common causes of this include:
You now have a clue as to what may be wrong because you know, or at least suspect, what is leaking from your car. This enables you to gauge how serious the issue is.
Depending on what kind of liquid is leaking, the following potential problems may arise:
Your car’s fluid reservoir or system-related tubing may have a hole or break in the windshield wiper fluid.
AC condensation: If your air conditioner has been running for any period of time, a small amount of transparent condensation is normal to come to the surface. Most likely, there is no issue at all in this situation, so carry on with your regular operations.
Brake fluid: Although it is simple to mistake old brake fluid for engine oil, a leak in brake fluid should not be taken lightly. Without brake fluid, brake failure is quite likely since it keeps the hydraulic pressure in your brake system at a safe level. Call a professional if you think the liquid below your car is brake fluid (it’s typically around the wheels or under where the brake pedal is). Don’t drive if you don’t have to.
Oil leaks in the front of your car might be a sign of a lot of different issues. These include a corroded oil line, a stripped or leaky drain plug, a worn gasket, an improperly fitted oil filter, and worn gaskets. Make sure the oil level in your car is not dangerously low before continuing to drive.
Coolant/antifreeze: Before fuel injection, minor leaks were sealed with coolant including silicates. Because silicates cannot be used in modern vehicles, even tiny pores might cause coolant leaks. However, if the leak is more serious, it can be a sign of a broken water pump, a broken hose, a loose clamp, or a worn O-ring. Such leaks always necessitate a call to a mechanic because antifreeze is harmful to domestic animals and nearby wildlife.
Gear lubricant: This type of leak, which frequently occurs on or near the wheels, indicates a worn seal or that the gearbox needs to be serviced.
Power steering fluid: A malfunctioning fluid line or damaged seal is likely to be the cause of any power steering fluid leaks around the front of your car. A high-pitched whine is frequently heard along with this kind of leak.
Transmission fluid: When this fluid leaks, typically in the middle of your car, it may be a sign that a cooler line, gasket, or seal is damaged. Since some contemporary transmissions lack dipsticks to check fluid levels, it is best to get the car repaired as soon as you detect a transmission fluid leak to prevent further harm.
The cause of Hyundai’s oil leak?
Failure of oil system components and leaky engine gaskets are the two most frequent causes of oil leaks in Hyundai Sonatas. To chat with a specialist about your problem, look through our network of RepairPal Certified stores nearby.
Why is the passenger side of my automobile dripping with oil?
We appreciate you asking. The majority of leaks are caused by worn-out engine gaskets, leaks from the oil pan, faulty oil seals, or faulty connections. Check the oil pan seals while crawling below the automobile. Additionally, inspect the oil pan drain plug while you’re there. Next, examine the valve cover gaskets and the timing cover seal. Here, issues may call for pricey, comprehensive repairs. Not to worry! Oil leaks can always be fixed by the homeowner initially. It’s not difficult. Here are some possibilities.
How should I handle an oil leak in my car?
If an automobile’s engine is dripping oil from the top or bottom, you shouldn’t operate it. Why? Oil is a flammable liquid that can catch fire in specific circumstances. If the oil burns, a fire could possibly break out, destroying the car.
You shouldn’t operate an oil-leaking vehicle for a variety of reasons, not just this one. Additionally, an oil leak might hasten the premature hose and seal wear, necessitating their replacement earlier than anticipated.
A leak could also cause you to use up all of your oil. Even if it starts off as a minor leak, it could grow quickly while you are driving. Running a car with insufficient oil could significantly harm the engine.
For these reasons, it is best to cease driving your car as soon as you notice that it is leaking oil. As soon as you notice an oil leak, call a qualified mechanic to fix it and stop additional harm.
How serious is an oil leak?
It’s never good news to find a large oil pool beneath your automobile, and you may assume it’s a major issue. What if you just spot a small amount of oil? Or what if you see a drop in your oil level but no leaks? What if your leaks only happen if you park on an incline or while your engine is cold? It can be challenging to determine when a leak is a major issue and when it isn’t because there are so many possible symptoms and forms of engine oil leaks.
Although having no engine oil leak is ideal, this does not mean that you should become alarmed at the first drop of oil you notice on the ground. It’s critical to pay close attention to leaks and the amount of your engine oil. This is particularly valid for older automobiles. The secret to preventing serious engine issues caused by oil leaks is to stop the leak as soon as you see it and replace any lost oil.
Think about the following scenarios:
- Leaks that deprive your engine of oil are the most dangerous. Don’t try to start your engine if there is a significant amount of water on the ground. If you don’t have enough oil to lubricate your engine, you risk causing irreparable harm that can only be fixed by rebuilding or replacing the engine. You should prevent engine seizing, which is what this is known as.
- A gasket or seal leak that causes a low oil level can quickly develop into an issue and leave you stranded. If the leak is modest, topping off the oil and carefully monitoring the level can frequently get you home without incident, but you must act immediately to fix the leak before it becomes worse. Instead than only treating the symptom, you must deal with the problem’s underlying cause.
- It can be challenging to find engine oil leaks that happen in particular circumstances, such as when you’re driving or parking on an incline. This is why it’s so important to keep a close eye on your oil level. Even while your dashboard could feature a low-level warning light, especially in older automobiles, it’s always a good idea to check the dipstick to make sure.
An oil leak will always worsen over time and never get better, even if it initially appears to be minor and isn’t severe enough to harm the engine. Our oil stop leak products at Bar’s Leaks have been developed over many years to provide quick and cost-effective oil leak repair. You can choose from our selection of products made for the long-term repair of your engine oil leaks, which have been used by millions of consumers around the nation.
Find the business that carries our products closest to you by browsing the various oil stop leak solutions we have available right here on our website. Waiting till your engine leak gets worse is not a good idea. Take care of it now, and you’ll drive with confidence from now on.
What causes oil leaks most frequently?
Deteriorated engine gaskets, leaks from the oil pan, and inadequate or worn-out seals are common sources of oil leaks. A damaged valve cover gasket or a loose or missing oil pan drain plug are other potential causes of oil leaks.
Using a dipstick to test the oil level in your engine’s tank is one of the simplest ways to find out whether you have an oil leak. Your oil level is low if it is below the minimum mark on the dipstick, which is marked by an L, MIN, crosshatching, or the bottom pin hole. An oil leak may be indicated by low oil levels. Other typical indications of an oil leak include blue smoke coming from your car’s hood or exhaust, as well as a strong burning odor when the engine is running.
What substance is dripping from my car?
The most frequent sort of fluid loss is engine oil. If the liquid pool is located closer to the front of your car, the engine is likely where it came from. Enter the liquid using your finger or a piece of paper towel. The fluid will be brown or black, slippery to the touch, and have a faint burnt smell if it is engine oil.
Can an engine oil leak cause damage?
One of the most frequent reasons for engine damage is oil leaks. They quickly degrade the engine, necessitating costly repairs. Even worse, engine oil spills put people’s safety in danger. They could cause a vehicle to lose control while being driven.
Do oil leaks merit repair?
Many different things can lead to engine oil leaks, but the majority of them are brought on by either worn-out engine gaskets or a poor oil seal. One of those expenses for vehicle maintenance that is tough to budget for is the cost of an engine oil leak repair. An engine oil leak can happen to you at any time, regardless of the brand or model of your car. Due to material flaws or manufacturing problems, even brand-new cars are susceptible to oil leaks.
Oil leaks can result in major engine issues in addition to being unsightly. During regular operation, the oil in your car is what keeps everything lubricated and cool. One of the easiest ways to do serious engine damage and wind up with an even larger repair price is low oil levels brought on by a leak.
Since oil leaks can be so damaging, it is nearly always worth the expense to ensure that your car continues to run and doesn’t leave you stranded or worse. Where the oil leak is located greatly affects how much it will cost to repair. Your car’s oil seals and gaskets are constructed of relatively common materials, and since replacements are frequently produced by several manufacturers, the cost of parts may be kept between $5 and $30. The work for removing and replacing any parts required to replace that gasket or seal accounts for the bulk of the expense of fixing an engine oil leak. For instance, replacing a valve cover gasket to stop an oil leak there is frequently one of the quickest and least expensive oil leak fixes because only a few components need to be taken apart. However, since many parts, including your timing belt and various engine accessories, must be removed, changing a cam shaft seal can be a very pricey task.
Repair charges might range from $150 to $1200 depending on the sort of car you have, the engine it has, and where the oil leak is located.
The good news is that fixing your engine oil leak can frequently be accomplished in another way. In some circumstances, replacing the faulty seal or gasket is necessary, but doing so is frequently unnecessary. The regular heat and cool cycles of your engine, insufficient use, or other circumstances that can cause the seals to dry out or crack can sometimes result in tiny leaks in gaskets and seals. BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak can frequently fix these kinds of problems. In order to eliminate oil leaks and keep your engine safe, BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak can fix and restore old or leaking seals to their normal size and form.