Signs of an oil leak
- Dark brown or black spots under the engine, often toward the front or middle of the car
- A burning oil smell after a drive, or light smoke from under the hood
- The oil level drops between oil changes, or a low-oil message on the dash
- Oily residue on the engine, the underside, or the belts and pulleys
- A blue haze from the exhaust, which can mean oil is getting into the engine instead of leaking out
Common sources we repair
| Leak source | What you notice | Common on |
|---|---|---|
| Valve cover gasket | Burning smell, oil on the exhaust manifold | BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, VW, Land Rover |
| Oil filter housing gasket | Oil on the belts, drips at the front | BMW six-cylinder and four-cylinder engines |
| Oil pan gasket | Drips under the middle of the engine | Most makes as they age |
| Oil cooler seals and lines | Fast drips, low oil level | BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Range Rover |
| Rear main seal | Oil between the engine and transmission | High-mileage cars of every make |
| Turbocharger oil lines | Oil near the turbo, smoke | Audi 2.0T, VW, BMW and Mercedes turbo engines |
How we diagnose an oil leak
- Check the oil level and condition and look for codes or warnings.
- Clean the engine so we start with a dry surface.
- Add UV dye and run the engine to temperature.
- Trace the leak with a UV light from the top down, with the car on a lift.
- Photos and a written estimate. You see the exact source and the parts needed before you approve anything.
The repair
We replace the failed gasket or seal with OEM or OE-equivalent parts, clean off the old oil, check belts, mounts and hoses that the oil touched, and top up with the oil your manufacturer approves. Larger jobs such as rear main seals are done together with clutch or transmission work when it makes sense, so you only pay for the labor once. Many leaks share labor with other jobs, so ask us about timing chain replacement or coolant leak repair if your car is due. Repairs carry our 2-year / 24,000-mile warranty at both shops.
Why South Florida heat makes leaks worse
Rubber gaskets harden with heat. Stop-and-go traffic on I-95, Federal Highway and Oakland Park Boulevard keeps engine bays hot for long periods, and cars that sit for weeks during travel season come back with dried seals. That is why we check for leaks during every oil change and catch them while they are still small. For brand-specific leaks, see BMW oil leak and cooling system repair and engine repair in Fort Lauderdale.
Part of our engine and drivetrain guide: Engine repair in Fort Lauderdale
