What does the oil pan do?
The gasket surrounds the oil pan, keeping it securely attached to the engine.
Oil is crucial to the operation of your engine. It works by lubricating the moving parts to reduce excess heat and friction. The oil pan is where all of the oil is held. It is made out of steel or aluminium and is attached to the bottom of the engine with bolts and an oil pan gasket. Underneath the oil pan sits a drain plug that can be removed in order to change the car’s oil.
Although the oil pan is made from durable metals, it can be subject to leaks in higher mileage vehicles. This can be caused by a worn gasket or damage to the pan itself. The oil pan can also be damaged by a direct impact while driving. Common causes of oil pan leaks include:
– Stones and other debris flying up and hitting the pan or gasket.
– Going over a kerb or speed bump too quickly can cause the suspension to bottom out and damage the oil pan or gasket.
– The bolts or oil drain plug not being tightened correctly.
When the oil pan begins leaking, it is only a matter of time before your engine is starved of oil. This can lead to increased engine wear, overheating and expensive engine damage. For this reason, it is important to be able to recognise the symptoms.
What happens if you drive with low oil?
Symptoms of an oil pan leak:
- Smoke coming from the engine – The exhaust manifold reaches extremely high temperatures. When leaking oil drips from the oil pan and onto the exhaust manifold, it will be burnt. This will result in black smoke appearing from your engine.
- Oil warning light – Many cars have a dashboard warning light that will turn on if the oil levels are low. If this light turns on, it can often be a sign of a leaking oil pan or gasket.
- Oil puddles under the car – If you notice oil puddles forming under the car, it means that oil is leaking somewhere in your engine. Get your car checked by a mechanic to determine if the oil pan is leaking.
- Higher engine temperature – A lack of oil results in increased friction, which creates excess heat. If your engine’s temperature gauge is higher than normal, check the oil levels on your engine’s dipstick.
Oil Pan Replacement in Hamilton
Does your car have an oil pan leak? If so, we can help! At Grimmer Motors, our team of skilled mechanics can perform an oil pan or gasket replacement on your car.
An oil pan replacement consists of cleaning / washing down your engine, checking for leaks, removing surrounding suspension components an replacing the oil pan with a new one. To finish off, we top your car up with new oil and make sure there are no leaks.
For oil pan servicing and replacement in Hamilton, contact Grimmer Motors today!