How to Determine if a Car is Leaking Oil?

[RhettLynn]

Park the car overnight and check the parking surface for any oil stains. Directly observe and touch areas prone to oil leaks, especially at component joints, to check for oil traces or stains. Pay attention to the dashboard for any abnormal changes. Check if too much engine oil has been added recently.

[VonRiver]

I always pay close attention to oil stains on the ground when driving. After parking, I carefully check the parking spot for dark oil patches, especially under the engine and around the front axle. If the oil stains are fresh, black, or have a shiny brown color, it might indicate an oil leak. Every time I change the oil, I also check the dipstick. If the oil level drops too quickly, it's a warning sign. Smelling a burnt oil odor from the front of the car is another red flag. Once, I ignored these signs, and during a long trip, the oil pan cracked, causing the engine to overheat and requiring a tow. Now, I've developed a habit of doing a quick visual inspection of the undercarriage every two weeks to prevent small issues from becoming major problems. Regular maintenance and having professional shops lift the car for inspections give me more peace of mind.