WHY IS MY OIL PAN LEAKING?

The oil pan is the reservoir for the oil pumped throughout the engine. It’s bolted to the bottom your engine and is usually made from steel or aluminum. Most oil pans have a pump that rests in the pan to force oil through a filter to move debris, dirt and other impurities that circulate through the engine. Pans contain a drain plug on the bottom so you can replace your oil. An oil pan generally holds four to six quarts of oil depending on what engine you have.

Unfortunately, oil leaks are a common occurrence, and oil pans will occasionally contribute. The gaskets that connect the pan to the engine block can wear over time and allow leaking. An over-tightened drain plug, a bad washer, even rocks and debris from the road all have the ability to cause a major leak if gone untreated. Engines run so hot, that the high temperature can deteriorate the gasket over time. If you find a puddle of oil, never ignore it. Try to investigate the source of the leak if possible. As always, bring your vehicle to Ferber’s Tire and Auto for an oil leak diagnostic!