Why is my Volkswagen leaking oil?

An oil leak in your Volkswagen can be caused by several issues, ranging from simple to complex. Here are some common reasons why your vehicle might be leaking oil:

Worn or Damaged Oil Filter: Over time, oil filters can become damaged or improperly fitted, leading to leaks. Ensure that the oil filter is correctly installed and replace it if it's old or damaged.

Faulty Oil Pan Gasket: The oil pan gasket, which seals the oil pan to the bottom of the engine, can deteriorate over time. This is often due to exposure to extreme temperatures and engine vibration.

Aged Valve Cover Gasket: The valve cover gasket seals the top of the engine and prevents oil leaks. If this gasket fails, oil can leak out, especially at the top of the engine.

Damaged Seals or Gaskets: Other seals, like the front or rear main seal, camshaft seals, or crankshaft seals, can also wear out and cause leaks.

Cracked Oil Pan: Sometimes, debris on the road can hit the oil pan and cause a crack or hole, leading to a significant oil leak.

Improper Oil Cap: A missing, loose, or damaged oil cap can cause oil to leak from the top of your engine.

Overfilled Engine Oil: Overfilling your engine oil can create excessive pressure inside the engine, causing leaks through weak points.

If you're experiencing an oil leak, it's advisable to check the obvious spots first, such as the oil filter and oil cap. If it seems to be more than just the oil filter and oil cap, give us a call and our technician who specializes in European vehicles at our Hubertus location will be happy to assist you in finding the oil leak!