Why is my car leaking oil?

An oil leak almost always comes from a worn gasket or seal — most often the rocker (valve) cover gasket, the sump plug or pan, or a crankshaft seal. A small drip with age is common; the trick is finding exactly where it's coming from before you replace the wrong part.

The most common causes

1
Rocker / valve cover gasket

A common, fairly cheap leak — oil seeps from the top of the engine and can drip onto hot parts.

Most common
2
Sump plug or sump gasket

A weeping sump-plug washer or pan gasket leaves drips under the centre of the car.

3
Crankshaft or cam seal

Front or rear engine seals harden with age and weep — a bigger job to access.

Drips after parking
4
Oil filter or pressure switch

A loose filter after a service, or a leaking oil-pressure sensor, can drip too.

5
Worn seals from age and heat

High kays and heat harden seals over time; we pinpoint the actual source so you fix the right one.

Is it safe to drive? A small drip is usually okay short-term, but check your oil level regularly and get it looked at — running low on oil, or oil dripping onto a hot exhaust, is what turns a cheap seal into a real problem.

What it costs in Sydney

Mobile diagnostic (find the source)$129
Gasket / seal repairQuoted on inspection

The $129 is credited toward the repair if you book it with us — and we pinpoint the exact leak so you don't pay to replace the wrong part.

Get it diagnosed — in your driveway.

We find exactly where the oil's coming from and give you a fixed price to seal it up.

$129
Credited if you book the repair · Hills & Western Sydney
Call 0414 623 806
V

Reviewed by a Vertex mechanic — 20+ years' experience. ★ 4.9 on Google · Fixed price, every fault photographed, 12-month warranty.

Common questions

A small drip is usually fine short-term, but keep an eye on the oil level. Running low — or oil dripping onto the hot exhaust — is what causes real damage, so get it checked.

We clean the area, run the engine and trace it to the exact gasket or seal, rather than guessing and replacing parts that aren't leaking.

$129 for the mobile diagnostic, credited toward the repair if you book it with us.

Not sure exactly what's wrong?

Use our free 60-second Fault Finder — get the likely cause, whether it's safe to drive, and a fair price.

Find out free →

Get the price before you book.

Any car. Anywhere. Any time — across the Hills & Western Sydney.

Call 0414 623 806