Engine oil is a vital part to any vehicle. Without it, your car cannot function properly, and you risk causing irreparable damage to the engine itself. Because of this, it is essential to have your vehicle routinely serviced and maintained in order to avoid the catastrophic consequences of an unrepaired oil leak.

A common problem with Volkswagen vehicles is oil leaks. Volkswagens are a reliable brand, but they need proper maintenance at recommended intervals. By having your oil regularly changed, you can maintain the overall health of your VW’s engine. If you notice that your car is leaking oil, have the problem diagnosed and fixed as soon as possible to avoid further damage.

In this article, we will discuss the importance of oil, why your VW may be leaking oil, discuss signs of an oil leak, and give you some advice on how you can fix it.

Why Oil is So Important

While your vehicle requires many different types of fluids to perform properly, oil is definitely one of the most important, because it keeps your engine running smoothly. The primary purpose of engine oil is to flow around and through the engine’s combustion chamber. As it does so, it lubricates your engine’s vital parts, including the piston, valves, and bearings. It is also used to lubricate your VW’s exhaust valves. By doing this, engine oil prevents the pieces of metal within your engine from grinding together, which would be detrimental to your engine’s performance.

In addition, your car’s engine oil is also responsible for keeping the moving parts of your engine from getting too hot, thus causing your engine to overheat.

Common Causes of an Oil Leak

Oil leaks are most often attributed to worn or broken down pieces in your VW’s engine. If your vehicle’s engine gasket needs to be replaced or the oil pan, seals, or connections have been damaged or become degraded, an oil leak will most likely occur as a result. A loose oil filter can also cause oil to leak from your car’s engine.

Signs of an Oil Leak

Because oil leaks are a more common vehicular issue, you should always keep an eye out for these signs that your car is leaking oil.

Oil Beneath the Car

The most obvious sign that your VW is leaking any type of fluid is a visible puddle underneath your car. You can tell that the fluid is oil if it is brownish in color and feels slick when you rub it between your fingers.

Smoke

If you notice that either your vehicle’s engine is smoking or that there is blue smoke being emitted from the tailpipe, then you more than likely have an oil leak. You should have the problem repaired as soon as you can.

Burnt Smell

The smell of burning oil is never a pleasant one. It’s also a sign that your VW is leaking oil onto your engine and that the oil is burning as it makes contact with the hot metal parts.

Engine Overheating

Because engine oil’s second primary purpose is to keep your car’s engine from overheating, a significant spike in the engine’s temperature may be indicating that there is an oil leak.

Significant Oil Loss

By regularly checking the oil level in your vehicle, you will notice if your car seems to be burning a significant amount of oil in a short amount of time. Make a habit of routinely checking the engine oil dipstick, and if the oil level seems too low, you probably have an oil leak.

How We Can Help

At Das European Autohaus, our friendly team of experts are here to ensure that you receive quality service for all your Volkswagen maintenance and repair needs. We can help you to avoid pesky oil leaks by regularly changing your oil and inspecting your engine for any premature wear or damage.

Providing service to drivers in and around Spring, Houston, TX, Das European Autohaus is dedicated to providing the proper care and attention that your Volkswagen needs. Contact us today to set up an appointment or stop in for a consultation at any time. We look forward to meeting you and becoming your Volkswagen repair, maintenance, and service provider for years to come.