Why Is My Nissan Leaking Oil?

December 16, 2021

If you've noticed a puddle of dark liquid under your Nissan or your oil gauge keeps creeping toward "Low," you might be dealing with a motor oil leak. Learn how to spot an oil leak, what can cause oil leaks, and what to do when you have one.

How to Spot an Oil Leak

Your Nissan requires many fluids to function, so you shouldn't assume every leak is engine oil. Color and location can clue you into what fluid is leaking. A puddle of oil will be brown or black, greasy in appearance, and located under the front half of your vehicle. Power steering, transmission and brake fluids can also be brown, so the slick, greasy look is essential to identifying an oil puddle. If you notice a fluid that is greasy but pink, yellow, or green, you may be looking at a coolant (anti-freeze) leak instead.

There's a chance your engine oil leak won't result in a puddle. Some models have shielding underneath, which will catch oil and prevent it from landing on the ground. If your oil light comes on but you haven't noticed any puddles, you should check your oil level with a dipstick to see how low it is. Keep an eye out for blue smoke coming from the exhaust or a burning smell while driving, as these can be signs of oil leaking into the engine itself.

Common Causes of Oil Leaks

Oil leaks are often caused by damaged gaskets or seals. Three main gaskets could be the culprit behind your leak: the oil pan, valve cover, and head gasket.

• Oil pan gaskets act as a seal between the oil pan and the engine block. They are often made of rubber, which naturally deteriorates over time and can lead to leaks.
• Valve cover gaskets sit between the engine block and the valve cover. These gaskets will crack as time and miles pass, making them unable to effectively seal off oil.
• Head gaskets create a seal between the engine block and the cylinder head to prevent coolant and oil from leaking into the cylinders. Overheating usually damages this gasket.

Your oil leak might also be caused by a damaged oil filter, drain plug, or pan. The oil pan is attached to the bottom of your engine, and it can be dented and broken by large rocks and other debris on the road. Like gaskets, the oil plug and filter can become worn out over time, but these tend to be easy and relatively affordable to fix.

What If My Car Is Leaking Oil After an Oil Change?

If you're experiencing dripping oil after an oil change, it might not be a leak. It could be residual oil that wasn't wiped off after the change. This will result in only a small amount of oil dripping, and it should go away quickly. If it is an actual oil leak, your technician likely made an easy-to-fix error and didn't tighten the filter or cap all the way. Be sure to double check you tightened these parts if you go the DIY oil change route.

Is It Dangerous If My Car Is Leaking Oil?

Motor oil helps keep your engine running smoothly, and an oil leak can do far more than leave stains on your driveway or garage floor. Depending on the size of your leak, you could lose all the oil in your Nissan. A lack of oil can cause enough damage for you to need to replace your entire engine. Oil leaks can also wear down rubber hoses and seals, meaning you'll need to replace these parts sooner than expected. The biggest safety concern is fire. Oil is flammable, and you risk it igniting and destroying your car.

In addition to vehicle damage, oil leaks can have a negative impact on the environment. Oil isn't just leaking into the streets-it's also leaking into the ground and waterways, where it can harm wildlife.

Oil Is Leaking From My Car. What Does That Mean I Need To Do?

An oil leak isn't something you should ignore, especially if you're unsure of the cause. The best thing to do is stop driving your Nissan and get it looked at right away. Waiting to fix the leak can lead to even more damage (and higher repair costs) down the road.

Don't let leaking oil lead to a car problem that causes your budget to bust! Shop OEM-made oil parts online and make an appointment at your closest Nissan service center today.