What it usually is
- Valve cover gasketmost common
Oil on the top of the engine, burning smell, sometimes misfires from oil in the plug wells.
Fix: Valve Cover Gasket & Oil Leak Repair → - Oil pan gasket or drain plugcommon
Drips from the lowest point of the engine.
Fix: Valve Cover Gasket & Oil Leak Repair → - Oil filter housing or cooler gasketcommon
Common on many GM, Ford, BMW, and Chrysler engines. Leak on the side of the block.
Fix: Valve Cover Gasket & Oil Leak Repair → - Timing cover or front crank sealless common
Oil slung around the front of the engine and belt.
Fix: Valve Cover Gasket & Oil Leak Repair → - Rear main sealless common
Leak between the engine and transmission. Shop job.
Fix: Valve Cover Gasket & Oil Leak Repair →
What to do right now
- Check the oil level and top it off.
- Put cardboard under the car overnight to see where it lands.
- Don't use stop-leak additives on a car you plan to keep.
- Book a leak inspection — we'll dye it if needed.
How a mobile mechanic handles it
We come to where the car is — that's the whole point when it's a oil leak situation. We diagnose with a professional scan tool and proper testing, tell you what's wrong and what it costs, and fix it on site when parts allow. Most of these are single-visit repairs in your driveway.
FAQ
Common questions
Is it safe to drive with an oil leak?
If the level stays in range and it's not dripping on the exhaust, short-term yes. Oil on a hot exhaust is a fire risk, and a leak that gets worse can starve the engine.