Oil Leak Repair Cost

Repairing a vehicle oil leak can cost anywhere from $600-$1,000. On average, this service should cost about $800.

How Much Does It Cost To Fix An Oil Leak?

Most drivers can expect to pay as low as $600 or as high as $1,000 for oil leak repair services, as mentioned above. If you are not sure if your car is leaking oil, then the average auto care professionals will charge $100 to diagnose the issue for you.

After a quick inspection of the leak, costs will vary based on the root cause of the leak and needed repairs.

Oil Leak Repair Cost Factors

There are a few common factors that can influence the cost of this repair, including the following:

• Source of the leak: Some issues are easy fixes like a missing fuel cap. Others, however, can be more extensive and expensive fixes.
• Labor: Much of the overall cost will be labor charges.
• Parts needed: Filters, gaskets, and seals will wear out over time. Try to avoid purchasing used parts when repairing an oil leak.
• Leak discovery: Mechanics charge for their time, meaning the faster the leak is discovered, the less you’ll pay.
• Make and model: Larger and luxury vehicles will be more expensive to work on.
• Warranty: Oftentimes, seals and gaskets are covered under a powertrain warranty.

What Causes Car Oil Leaks?

The first step toward a successful repair is identifying where the leak stems from. It is possible the leak occurred from something as simple as an oil overfill. A few of the most common culprits are outlined below.

Damaged Oil Filter

Oil will ultimately collect dust and debris as it moves throughout the engine. The filter is there to remove any contaminants, but it can result in leakage for these reasons:

• Degraded or dirty filters can clog and result in leaks.
• Filter caps may crack.
• A loose filter can also cause an oil leak.

Worn Out Gaskets

Gaskets act as a seal between two different engine parts, generally constructed of aluminum or steel coated in rubber. Most gaskets last over 100,000 miles, but they can wear down over time.

These are a few of the gaskets that can contribute to a leak:

• Valve cover gaskets sit over the engine cylinders, with a leak potentially filling spark plugs with oil.
• The timing cover gasket rests across the engine top. The oil here will lubricate the timing belt, so it may need to be replaced if the leak is not fixed promptly.
• The oil pan gasket is located between the oil pan and bottom of the engine. If this gasket leaks, you will either see oil on the ground or smoke coming from the engine.

Failing Crankshaft Seals

The crankshaft is responsible for rotating inside the engine as a source of power. It has two seals, with one at the front and one at the back of the engine. If one or both seals begin to fail, you will notice an oil leak.

Here are a few things to know about crankshaft seal oil leaks:

• The front seal is easier to locate and less expensive to repair. You’ll notice a puddle of oil at the front of the motor if this seal wears down.
• The back seal is harder to locate, making it more expensive to repair. Leakage can be found between the transmission and the engine.

Heath’s Auto Service In Flagstaff, AZ

At Heath’s Auto Service, our expertise isn’t limited by make or model — we handle them all. Whether you drive a vintage classic or the latest high-tech marvel, our team is adept at providing top-tier auto repair services tailored to your vehicle’s unique needs. From routine maintenance to intricate repairs, we’ve got you covered. Request an appointment with our experienced team right here!