How to Prevent Audi Engine Oil Leaks?
If you notice an oil leak in your Audi, don’t ignore it. There could be many reasons why it’s happening, but most are relatively simple to fix. Left unattended, it can become a serious issue, which could lead to catastrophic engine failure. In this article, we’ll discuss what are some of the reasons your Audi is leaking oil and what to do about it.
What is Engine Oil, and Why is it Necessary?
Engine oil, also called motor oil, is a fluid made up of petroleum-based oil and additives. Its main purpose is to flow through the engine and lubricate its various components. In addition, it also cools and cleans the engine parts and prevents them from eroding due to friction.
What Happens to Engine Oil?
When you pour engine oil into your Audi, it accumulates in a sump, also called the oil pan, tray, or reservoir. It is a metal pan that sits under the engine block. The engine lubrication system is a closed circuit, which begins at the sump or oil pan. The oil pump pressurizes the oil and sends it through the entire engine. It passes through the filter, crankshaft, cylinder head, camshaft, and all the pistons and rings. Eventually, it makes its way back via the oil passages into the sump (oil pan).
Reasons Why You May Have an Oil Leak in Your Car
Here are a few things that can trigger an oil leak.
- Faulty Sump or Oil Pan: Road debris can puncture the oil pan, as it sits at the bottom of the engine. Also, over time, there could be oxidation. Rust on the oil pan can result in holes, which would allow oil to escape.
- Oil Filler Cap: If the oil filler cap becomes loose or falls off completely, it’ll create oil loss.
- Loose Drain Plug: The drain plug is attached to the oil pan and stops oil from spilling out of the pan. A loose plug will surely cause oil to ooze out.
- Oil Filter: The oil filter is there to stop impurities, such as road grime, debris, metal shavings, etc., from entering the main engine area. A clogged-up filter can cause a leak and, worse yet, harm the engine.
- Deteriorated Rings, Valve Seals, and Gaskets: The engine lubrication system consists of several different parts, many of which rely on gaskets and seals to keep the pressure intact. If any of these seals or gaskets are compromised due to heat or debris, they could spring a leak and lead to oil seeping out. Some seals and gaskets to keep an eye on are the valve cover gasket, cylinder head gasket, camshaft seals, rear main seal, timing cover gasket, and oil filter housing gasket. There are more that your expert car mechanic will know to check.
- Overfilling the Oil Pan: When you fill the oil pan up more than its recommended amount, it creates pressure on the seals and usually gives rise to oil seepage.
- Oil Pressure Sensor: If this sensor is unable to gauge and regulate the oil flow, it makes sense that you might have an oil leak.
- Improper Installation: This can happen to anyone, but the chances of an incorrect installation increase when you don’t have professionals doing the job.
- Warning Light: If the red light on your dashboard, which looks like an oil can, lights up, it means there is something wrong within the engine lubricating system.
Preventing Oil Leaks
It’s not too difficult to intercept leaking engine oil before it becomes a problem. Regular check-ups are the secret. Whether you do it yourself or bring it to us—you can’t skip this crucial step. When you bring your car in for scheduled maintenance, we check all the necessary parts of your Audi to make sure it is in good working condition. Regular oil changes, filter changes, and inspections of pertinent components, (only some of which are mentioned above), are a must.
Solo Motorsports is Your Next Stop
At Solo Motorsports, we 
are your German car experts. We make sure our facilities have the latest factory-grade tools and equipment. Our highly-trained mechanics can help you with any of your car problems. Call us or book an appointment to visit us. We have garages in Georgia. In Georgia, you’ll find us in Norcross, Johns Creek, Downtown Atlanta, Gainesville, Lawrenceville, Alpharetta, North Alpharetta, and Roswell.
