Dealing With Oil Leaks from Your Audi’s Valve Cover in Culver City

Audis are designed to set the standard in regard to performance, safety, and comfort in modern vehicles. When you purchase an Audi, you know that you are getting a vehicle that is built to last. However, as you drive your Audi for a longer period of time, you may find that more parts need servicing and repairs. One of these parts is the valve cover. Below, you will find information about the valve cover and what signs to look for if engine oil is leaking from it.

What is the valve cover?

The valve cover in your Audi works hand in hand with the valve cover gasket and is an important part of your engine. They both function as a means to prevent leaks. The valve cover is attached to the top part of the engine cylinder head and it is sealed to it by the valve cover gasket. As oil travels throughout the engine, the valve cover is what keeps the oil in the system. Without the cover in place, engine oil would constantly leak out due to the high speeds in which the oil is circulating. In order to keep the valve cover in place, the gasket is sealed to it in a specific way. Depending on the make and model of your Audi, the valve cover gasket will either be sealed with liquid or formed rubber. This decision is determined at the time your Audi is being built and by the amount of pressure that the valve cover and gasket can face. The higher the speed of the engine, the higher the pressure. So this would require a tighter seal to keep the valve cover in place.

Signs and Symptoms of Oil Leaks from the Valve Cover

The primary function of the valve cover is to prevent oil leaks from the engine, so it is safe to say that when the cover is not sealed properly, leaks will occur. There are many signs and symptoms that you should be aware of in order to catch an oil leak early, so the damage to your Audi will not be severe.

The first sign you should be aware of is a burning oil smell. If the valve cover is no longer attached to the cylinder head in any way, engine oil will leak out. The oil could potentially leak onto the cylinder head, the fuel intake system, or the exhaust pipes. All of these parts are extremely hot, so when the oil comes in contact with it, a burning smell will be produced. This smell will be easy for you to identify because it is so strong.

The second sign of an oil leak in your Audi is if the valve cover is extremely dirty. If the valve cover is compromised in any way, the oil leaking out will stick to it, creating an opportunity for debris to collect there. The debris will appear caked onto or around the valve cover. Just by seeing this, a certified Audi mechanic will be able to identify that there is an issue with the valve cover. This is something that will also be noticeable to you if you look under the hood. So be aware of this caking of debris and take your Audi in as soon as you can in order to have the valve cover repaired.

The third sign of oil leaks coming from the valve cover is the engine constantly low on oil. This may seem like a no-brainer, but it is a sign that can be easily looked over if you are not paying attention to how many times you are putting oil into your Audi. If the valve cover needs repairing or needs to be replaced, it will not keep oil in the engine. With a lack of oil in the engine, proper lubrication is extremely diminished. This can lead to serious engine problems because the oil is not there to prevent the engine from overheating.

Servicing your Audi

Driving your Audi with oil leaking from the valve cover can be detrimental to the health of your Audi. Once you notice any of the above-mentioned signs, you know that it is time to take your Audi in for servicing.

At Import Motorworx, you will easily be able to make an appointment with one of our trained and certified Audi technicians. We are conveniently accessible from the areas of Lawndale, Culver City, West Los Angeles, and South Bay, CA.

When you bring your Audi in for service, we will use the latest equipment and diagnostic tools in order to determine if the valve cover needs to be replaced and if there is further damage caused by leaking oil. The technician will then work with you to come up with a repair plan that will allow you to be back on the road safely and quickly.