What's involved
What this repair actually is.
Oil travels along the engine before it drips, so the wet spot is often far from the leak. A technician degreases the suspect area, adds UV dye if needed, and inspects from above and below on a lift to trace the leak to its actual source — valve cover, oil pan, timing cover, or seals — before anything is quoted.
Symptoms
How you can tell.
- Dark spots on the pavement where you park
- Burning oil smell after driving
- Oil level dropping between changes
- Light smoke from the engine bay
- Oil light flickering at idle
If you delay
Leaking oil can kill the engine if the level drops too far, ruin belts and mounts it drips on, and a small seal leak only gets bigger.
Educational estimate. Real pricing depends on your vehicle, the inspection, parts availability, taxes, and shop rates. Use this as a guide while you shop quotes.
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