Effects of Engine Oil Leaks in Audis

Audi has earned its reputation as a premier vehicle, adored for the perfect balance of luxurious comfort and exhilarating driving performance.

Like any high-end car, Audi has also earned a reputation for brand-specific mechanical issues, most notably oil leaks. Oil leaks can lead to ruined engine components, engine fires, and seized engines. A problem that starts out so small can quickly escalate into catastrophe if not properly addressed.

What to Look For

There are plenty of telltale signs that may mean you have an oil leak even before your oil light comes on. When the warning light does appear, this means that your engine is already sensing low oil pressure and that you have probably had an ongoing leak for some time.

Sometimes, you may be able to smell burning oil as the oil drips onto other hot components in the engine compartment. There may even be the unsettling sight of smoke from the engine, which is always cause for alarm. If the oil is not pooling inside the engine compartment, it may be dripping out onto the ground and leaving dark pools in your driveway.

As the leak becomes more advanced and the oil level drops, your engine could also begin to overheat. If it is at this point, you may hear a knocking or grating sound as engine components begin to come in direct contact with each other. Oil is critical in lubricating your engine components and preventing the pistons from grinding. This excess friction will create massive amounts of heat and risk serious damage or complete engine failure.

Whether you see, hear or smell a problem, you need to get your Audi serviced by a professional immediately to prevent severe mechanical issues. Even if there are no outward symptoms of an oil leak, you may notice that your Audi has increased oil demands and you are having to refill your oil frequently in between regular scheduled service. This is not normal and could be an indicator of several potential issues, including an oil leak.

Why it Happens

There are plenty of causes behind most common oil leaks.

Regular exposure to extreme temperatures will result in metal components expanding and contracting, weakening parts of the engine over time. The gaskets and seals that hold the engine components together may become compromised and start leaking oil. The difficulty lies in actually finding the source of the leak, as there are numerous problem areas on any engine.

Oil leaks can originate in several areas. Common sources of an oil leak include the oil filter, which strains impurities from the oil preventing engine contamination. The filter can sometimes be poorly fitted or just jostle out of place during normal driving. The oil drain plug can also lose its tight seal and begin dripping oil.

More serious leaks arise if there is damage to your vehicle's oil pan, cooler lines, or other gaskets and seals in your engine assembly. Corrosion or roadway debris can cause components to fail and oil to leak out quickly, often requiring a more major repair.

A certified Audi mechanic knows exactly where to look to find the source of the leak. They can also educate you on recognizing early signs and what you can do to safeguard your vehicle against the potential damage of an oil leak.

Most importantly, an Audi expert knows the how critical preventative vehicle maintenance can be in avoiding oil leaks. Not only is it essential to inspect the car for potential problems, but even just changing the oil frequently can avert disaster. Over time, oil deteriorates, becoming contaminated with particles, sludge, and corrosive compounds. Bad oil can easily eat away at your engine, leaving you more susceptible to leaks.

Who to Call

Oil leaks are a common complaint in any vehicle, though they can be more prevalent in the beloved Audi.

For Audi owners in Lawndale, Culver City, West Los Angeles, and South Bay, CA, there is one team of experienced mechanics that can handle all their maintenance and repair needs. Import Motorworx is a full-service shop specializing exclusively in premium European brands like BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, Audi, Volkswagen, and Jaguar.

The best thing you can do to protect your Audi from the damage an oil leak can cause is to trust in the expert Audi care at Import Motorworx.