Oil leak repair costs in the UK range from £75 to over £500, depending on the source of the leak. If ignored, a leaking valve cover gasket, sump plug, or rear main seal can lead to expensive engine damage. 

Are you facing car oil problems? This guide covers oil leak repair prices, causes, and how to fix them. Let’s go!

Key takeaways

• How much does it cost to repair an oil leak?
• Oil leak repair costs by car make
• Signs of an oil leak in your car
• How can you spot an oil leak in your car?
• Is an oil leak serious?
• What happens if you don’t fix an oil leak?
• How long does an oil leak repair take?
• Can you stop an oil leak without going to a mechanic?
• Is it normal for an old car to leak oil?
• Can you drive with an oil leak?
• What are the most common causes of oil leaks?
• What does it mean if oil is dropping but there isn’t a leak?
• The takeaway

How much does it cost to repair an oil leak?  

Oil leak repair costs typically range from £75 to over £500, depending on the underlying cause.

Here are UK cost estimates for common engine oil leak causes:

• Valve cover gasket leak cost — £75 - £500 
• Rear main seal leak cost — £450 - £2,000 
• Oil gasket leak repair cost — £125 - £375 

Split the cost of car repairs and services into interest-free monthly payments with car repair finance from Bumper.

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:

Estimated costs may differ depending on your car and circumstances.

Signs of an oil leak in your car

Alongside researching how much does an oil leak cost to fix, get to know the signs of an oil leak. This will help you avoid major damage.

Keep an eye out for:

• Low oil levels (Oil level drops faster than usual)
• Oil warning light on dashboard (May indicate low pressure or leakage)
• Oily puddles under the car (Dark brown or yellowish spots)
• Burning oil smell (Leaking oil can burn off the engine block)
• Blue smoke from the exhaust (Oil burning inside the engine)

How can you spot an oil leak in your car?

Worried your engine might be leaking oil? Before you estimate the cost to fix an oil leak, try these simple checks:

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.  

What happens if you don’t fix an oil leak?

Ignoring an oil leak can lead to engine damage, overheating, reduced performance, and even more costly repairs. 

Oil leaks lead to low oil levels, which starve the engine of lubrication. This can also lead to increased wear and risk of complete engine failure.

How long does an oil leak repair take?

An oil leak repair usually takes 1 to 3 hours.

The time ultimately depends on the severity and location of the leak. Bigger jobs might take a full day if parts are harder to reach.

Can you stop an oil leak without going to a mechanic?

You might be able to stop minor oil leaks with a sealant or by tightening parts, but bigger leaks usually need a mechanic, especially if gaskets or seals need replacing.

Unless you have proficient knowledge, it’s always best to head straight to the garage!

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 a 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.

What are the most common causes of oil leaks?

The most common causes of oil leaks in cars include:

• Worn-out gaskets – These can crack or degrade over time.
• Damaged seals – Especially around the crankshaft or camshaft.
• Cracked oil pan – Often caused by road debris or impact.
• Loose or broken oil filter – Can leak if not fitted properly.
• Faulty drain plug – The Threads can wear out or the washer can fail.

Regular maintenance helps catch these early before they become bigger (and messier) problems. Don’t skip your car service!

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 the 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 here.

The takeaway

Oil leaks can pop up when you least expect them, and they can come from all sorts of places—gaskets, seals, even the oil filter. Catching and fixing them early is key to avoiding serious engine damage and expensive repairs. 

Hopefully, this guide has given you a clear idea of what oil leak repairs might cost and what to check before calling your local garage.

Read more on the Bumper blog.

Split the cost with Bumper 

Oil leaks can sneak up on you without warning—just like repair costs. 

With Bumper, you can split the cost of repairs into monthly payments at no extra cost with a car repair loan.

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