Oil is crucial for your car, as it provides essential lubrication to the engine's moving parts, keeping everything running smoothly. Without it, you wouldn’t get from A to B!

Unfortunately, as the oil is pumped all around the engine at high pressure, oil leaks can develop in various ways.  

In this article, we’ll discuss typical oil leak repair costs, common oil leak causes, and what you must do if you notice a car oil leak.

How much does it cost to repair an oil leak?  

Oil leak repair costs can range from £75 to over £500+, depending on the cause of the problem. 

Below, we’ve compiled a list of UK cost estimates for various causes of an engine oil leak:

• Cost to repair a leaking valve cover gasket — £75 - £500 
• Cost to repair a leaking rear main seal — £450 - £2,000 
• Cost to repair a leaking oil sump gasket — £125 - £375 

Split the cost of repairs and services into interest-free monthly payments at trusted dealerships and garages.

Oil leak repair costs by car brand

Sometimes, your oil leak repair cost will be influenced by your car make and model. This is due to the availability of parts and specialist skills needed to repair the vehicle. 

Here are average oil leak repair prices for common leak problems:

Is an oil leak serious? 

Yes, if your engine is leaking oil you are constantly running the risk of premature engine wear or failure. 

Oil is vital to the running of your engine, and you won’t get any warning signs the engine is about to break. 

Not only is an oil leak harmful to your engine, it can cause a number of issues for other road users and animals. Oil leaking onto the road becomes extremely slick when wet, causing an extremely dangerous surface for driving on.  

Is it normal for an old car to leak oil?

No, today, it’s not normal for your car to have an oil leak.

In years past, it was normal for a car to leave a drop or two of oil on the floor while parked. However, any recurring leak in a modern car should be investigated, as it may indicate an underlying issue.

A few oil spots may not always mean disaster and large repair bills. It could be something as simple as some overspill from your last oil change or top-up. 

If it happens regularly, definitely book an inspection from a mechanic. 

Can you drive with an oil leak?

Whether or not you can drive with an oil leak depends on the severity of the leak and the distance of the drive.

If you notice one or two very small spots on the ground, it’s probably okay to drive a few miles to the garage.  

A leak much larger, or distance much longer, and we’d definitely suggest leaving the car where it is until you can get it inspected properly. This is both to protect your wallet and other road users. 

How do you tell if you have an oil leak in your car? 

If you’re concerned your engine is leaking oil, there are a few checks you can carry out before finding out your oil leak repair cost from a garage: 

1. Check the oil level regularly — If your oil level is dropping when not using the car, or much faster than normal, it's quite possible a leak has developed. 
2. Have a look under the bonnet — Inspect the front, back, and sides of the engine with a torch for any wet spots. Check underneath for oil drips, as it tends to run down and collect at the lowest point or on the engine edges and undertray.
3. Use some cardboard — If you notice black marks on the floor that form a rainbow when it rains, place cardboard under the engine overnight to catch any drips and make them more visible.

Other types of car fluid leaks

Before determining the cost of an oil leak repair, ensure the leak is actually oil. 

If you're unsure, a mechanic can help you identify the fluid and its source. This step is crucial to avoid unnecessary repairs and ensure you're addressing the right issue.

Other potential car fluid leaks include:

• Power steering fluid
• Transmission fluid
• Coolant (anti-freeze)
• Brake fluid
• Fuel

Common oil leak causes and how to check them

Whilst engine oil is pumped to pretty much every part of an engine, there are a few common spots that can develop leaks. Most of these are where rubber seals are used to contain the oil inside the engine.

Here are common oil leak causes you should consider before finding out your engine oil leak repair cost.

Oil filter housing or sump plug

Oil is filtered to remove contaminants during its cycle, and the filter is replaced at each regular car service. 

If the oil filter or sump plug isn't properly re-installed, they could leak.

How to check

If you're unsure how to locate or check your oil filter, search for online guides specific to your car model. 

Look for any oil film or residue around the filter. If it's dirty, clean it and inspect again after a short drive.

Overfilled oil

The crankcase breather vent helps manage pressure changes inside the crankcase during normal use. 

If the engine is overfilled with oil, the pressure can force oil out through this vent.

How to check

In most modern cars, the crankcase breather is tucked beneath other components. If you can't find any other source of the leak, it's best to have a garage inspect it.

Bad gaskets 

Various gaskets are used to contain oil within the engine, but as they age, they can deteriorate, leading to leaks. This makes them one of the most common causes of oil leaks.

How to check

Since there’s more than one type of gasket, you need to check all of the possibilities to determine the problem. These include: 

• Camcover gasket — Look around the top of the engine for wet or shiny patches of fresh oil.
• Timing chain gasket — Check if your car has a chain or belt. Chains operate in engine oil, and you'll find a metal or plastic cover along the side (or front for rear-wheel drive). Inspect the split lines where it attaches to the engine.
• Sump gasket — The sump is the lowest point of the engine. Check for wet or shiny patches at or below the attachment line, though this may require removing the undertray.
• Oil pump gasket — Typically located on the front or side of the engine, this may be hard to check without removing parts.

Broken or perished seals 

Seals do the same job as gaskets, but differ in that they generally seal moving components.  

How to check 

Seals you may see leaks from include: 

• Rear main seal — Seals between the engine output shaft and gearbox can leak. To check, look for leaks where the engine connects to the gearbox beneath the car, though inspecting this may require removing the gearbox.
• Camshaft seal — Located at the top of the engine, the seal where the camshafts exit the head can leak. It's difficult to check without removing the cam cover, but oil will typically run down the left side of the engine.

What does it mean if oil is dropping but there isn’t a leak? 

If your oil level is dropping but there's no oil on the floor, it may be entering the combustion chamber or coolant system. 

Look for signs like blue smoke from the exhaust or a yellowish substance in the coolant. 

Learn more about exhaust smoke and the different types now.

Oil leak repair costs - The takeaway

Oil leaks can arrive when you least expect them and from various sources, including gaskets, seals, and the oil filter. 

Addressing leaks promptly is essential to prevent further engine damage and costly repairs. Hopefully, this blog has introduced you to oil leak repair costs and what you need to check before contacting your local garage.

How Bumper can help

With Bumper, you can split the cost of repairs (including oil leak repair costs) into monthly payments at no extra fee. 

Apply online for up to £5,000 and choose from 1,000s of trusted repairers.