What Causes Oil Leakage in the Tiguan?
2 Answers
Oil leakage in cars is generally caused by damage to engine cylinder gaskets, oil pan gaskets, or sealing rings, failure of crankshaft front/rear or camshaft oil seals, loose fastening screws, aging seals on oil coolers and oil filter bases, among other reasons. Valve cover oil leakage: This occurs more frequently in vehicles approximately 5 years old, requiring replacement of the valve cover gasket. Engine oil pan leakage: This is due to aging of the oil pan gasket, necessitating removal of the oil pan, replacement of the gasket, and reapplication of sealant. Crankshaft oil seal leakage: Replacing the crankshaft oil seal is a complex operation involving extensive disassembly and high labor costs. If the leakage is not severe (such as minor seepage), one may choose to delay repairs.
I've repaired many Touareg models before and found that oil leaks are quite common. The main issues are aging oil pan gaskets or worn seals, causing oil to seep through the gaps. This could be due to hardened and cracked rubber components over time, or loose screws from the last oil change. Poor valve cover sealing or damaged oil seals can also cause this. Excessive oil leakage reduces engine lubrication, leading to overheating, wear, or even engine failure. If you notice black oil stains on the ground, check immediately. Monitor the oil dipstick regularly—if the level drops quickly, visit a professional repair shop promptly. Replacing a gasket isn't expensive, so don't delay.