Solving the mystery of BMW oil leaks: A guide for owners

Saving the crucial things like engine oil is very important. The engine oil lubricates the engine parts to make them run smoothly and freely. So, the engine oil provides better health and performance to the engine. But the engine oil itself can get bad easily by contamination, aging, leaking, etc. Bad oil is very harmful for the engine and changing the oil can save your engine. People owning cars simply get their car to a garage for every fix when they find oil warning light on the dashboard, but it is necessary for then to know some fixes for oil and also the possible causes of the problem. Here is a guide for the BMW car owners who wanna diagnose the oil leaks in their car.

Oil leaks in BMW

You all know why oil is used in engine. Like other machines, an engine also needs lubrication. For reducing the friction in the engine mechanical parts, the lubricant or the engine oil is used. If the engine would run smooth, then only it can consume a very less fuel as possible.

Oil is fluid stored in its tank in the engine compartment. Then the oil is filtered and pumped to the engine via its lines. Various hoses and gaskets are also part in this oil system. So, there is chances that anywhere in the lines or at gasket and hoses may develop cracks and holes, gaps which would allow the oil to flow out of the system without going to the engine. The pressure in the fluid allows it to leak out after finding a way. Fluids are likely to get leaked while there is even a small damage to the lines. Such a vital fluid leaking out of the car is a very bad sign for the engine. So, the owners need to know the important facts on the causes and diagnosis of oil leakage.

You must know the signs of oil leakage in BMW

 Puddles of oil under the car on the ground where it is parked

 Oil smell

 Oil warning light glowing on dashboard

Causes of the oil leakage in BMW

BMW cars being such well-designed and best quality cars also get such problems. It is very unusual when BMW get such problems. In such cases, it is important to know what can cause such issues. Here are some common causes of oil leakage in BMW.

Worn or damaged seals

There are various seals and valves located at the gaps in the oil system to prevent any leakage. These seals may get damaged due to aging and start to leak out oil. Leakages not only reduces the level of oil, but also reduces the pressure in the oil.

Loose filler cap

The filler cap is opened to top up the oil into the car and then replaced. This cap is left untightened which is a simple mistake during oil change. If this filler cap fort oil is left loose, then the oil would leak out of it and cause oil loss.

Leaking oil pan

The oil pan is located below the car due to which it remains exposed to the water, road debris and other factors that can harm it. So the oil pan may get damaged quickly and begin to leak oil. The oil pan basically gets easily damaged when the car is made to drive more on the obstacles on road.

Wrong type oil

if the oil used in your car is not correct for your engine, then it may cause problems in the engine and even lead to leakage from the oil system.

Preventing the oil leakage

If you are having oil leaks in your BMW, then you have to fix the leakage after locating it. While you are not having the leaks, you have to prevent the issue by following some tips given-

 Be sure that you are using a correct oil which is recommended by the manufacturer. Refer to the owner manual or contact your dealer for oil change.

 While changing the oil, also check the filter too and even change it if it is dirty.

Diagnosis of leakage

To diagnose the leaks, you have to first inspect the possible components to cause leaks. Check the filler cap, if it is loose, then simply tighten it. Check the oil filter and replace it if it is dirty. You may need the help of a mechanic to do this. Check the drain plug. If it is leaking then you can simply take a wrench and tighten it. You can also inspect the valve gasket and get it replaced by mechanic.

Conclusion

Do not delay in the fixing of the leak, because if the leakage is not fixed, then more and more oil would be lost and engine would run very rough, you even have to top up oil frequently.