As a Volkswagen driver, you understand that your car was designed for comfort and efficiency on the road, and one of the things that ensures this is the engine oil. If you have recently noticed oil stains in your parking area, or you can smell burning oil coming from your Volkswagen, then your car might have an engine oil leak. Oil leaks are a common problem in many cars today, and if not addressed early enough it can harm the car’s engine and become very expensive to fix. Some VW owners tend to overlook an oil leak when they spot one because they feel it is a very small leak.
When it comes to a fluid leak in vehicles, there is no such thing as “small.” Even the slightest trickle of oil can have a negative impact on your Volkswagen’s engine. The good news is that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to solve the issue. Let’s talk about why oil leaks occur and how they can be fixed effectively and at a cheaper rate.
What Causes Engine Oil Leaks in Volkswagens?
- Damaged Valve Cover Gasket: The valve cover gasket is responsible for closing the top part of an engine and stopping oil leakage. A gasket can wear out or crack due to heat and expansion, or simply shrink due to wear over time, and this causes oil to leak from the sides.
- Broken Oil Pan Gasket: Another place your Volkswagen might experience a leak is in the oil pan gasket. Since the oil pan is situated at the base of the engine, it is vulnerable to impacts from the roads. These impacts can make the gasket leak oil.
- Rusted Oil Drain Plug: When changing the oil in a car, it is common to remove a drain plug located at the bottom of the engine to remove the old oil before adding in new, clean oil. If the plug is not tightened securely, or the threads have become worn out, it is possible for oil to drip from it.
- Front or Rear Main Seal Failure: The front and rear main seals are responsible for sealing the oil at the crankshaft ends. If these seals become brittle or worn, oil will leak out and can be seen as a stain on the ground beneath the car.
Cost-Effective Ways to Fix Volkswagen Oil Leaks
- Replace Worn-Out Gaskets and Seals: If the valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, or main seals are worn out, then it is best to replace them since it is the only permanent solution. These components are less costly to repair than having a total engine replacement, so it is far better to have them fixed as early as possible.
- Change or Secure the Oil Drain Plug: Sometimes the problem is as basic as a loose oil drain plug. If it is worn or damaged, it can easily be replaced with a new plug and washer at very little cost.
- High Quality Engine Oil and Additives: Changing to the recommended synthetic engine oil will help minimize leaks due to wear of gaskets and seals. Also, there are oil additives that can be used to block the leak for some time before a proper repair can be done.
- Preventive Measures: One of the major causes of oil leaks is lack of regular check up and maintenance. It is recommended to have the oil changed and the engine checked periodically to identify any leaks before they get out of hand.
Bring Your Volkswagen To Peak Auto For VW Engine Oil Leak Repair Services
At Peak Auto, we are the best Volkswagen 
repair shop for oil leak solutions at a very reasonable price. We have professional mechanics who are capable of identifying and repairing oil leakage issues within the shortest time possible. We are located in Apex, NC, and proudly cater to Volkswagen owners from all nearby areas. Whether it is the gasket seal that has to be changed, a drain plug that needs to be repaired, or the oil system that needs to be checked in its entirety, we are at your service. If you have noticed oil stains under your car, the smell of burning oil, or unusually low oil levels, don’t assume that the problem will go away. Give us a call today and let us help you with your Volkswagen’s oil leaks before they become a major problem.