Ask a Technician: Why Is My Car Dripping Oil After an Oil Change?

Q. I just got the oil changed in my car, and a couple of days later I noticed my car was dripping a little bit of oil. What’s going on? Is this related to the oil change? Is this normal?

A. You shouldn’t have any drips after an oil change if it was done properly. A few things can go wrong and cause the drips you’re seeing.

Filters

It’s always a good idea to have your mechanic replace your oil filter every time you get an oil change. Old, worn-out filters keep your engine from working at peak efficiency and can lead to leaks. If you had your filter replaced, it’s possible it wasn’t properly installed. If it’s misaligned, a little bit of oil can escape and cause the leak.

Plugs

Another potential cause for leaks could be a poorly secured drain plug. When you have your oil changed, the mechanic will drain all of the oil out of your car through a small hole in the oil pan on the bottom of your car. The hole is sealed with a drain plug, just like the one in your bathtub, except this one looks like a giant bolt. If it’s cross-threaded and not secure, some oil will seep out.

Other

The dreaded other. If neither one of those reasons are the cause, something else is causing the leak and it’s probably not directly related to the oil change. It could be bad seals or a cracked valve cover gasket. Sorry to say it, but it’s time to go back in and get it checked out. Luckily, Volvo Cars Silver Spring can inspect your vehicle and offer fast and affordable service to get you back on the road.