Oil is one of the most important components a car uses. This is because it circulates through the engine in order to lubricate all the moving parts it has in order to prevent heat from friction. For a machine with so many moving parts, each of which is crucial, it is easy to see why having a well-lubricated engine via a well-maintained oil supply is essential for your Jaguar.
One of the most important components of the engine oil system is the oil pan gasket. The oil pan gasket is a component that is designed to seal off the space between the oil pan and the engine block. This prevents an oil leak into the wrong areas and ensures it will be applied to the right ones.
Common Signs of an Oil Pan Gasket Leak
There are a number of symptoms that will appear when your oil pan gasket has a leak. If you experience any of the following problems with your Jaguar, be sure to take it to a mechanic as soon as possible to have the issue checked out.
Oil is leaking from the underside of your car
One of the most obvious ways to diagnose your car with an oil pan gasket leak is if you see oil dripping from the underside of your car. This can be a drip you can easily see or simply a trail or puddle beneath your car where you parked. Be sure to check beneath your car regularly for oil leaks. If there is a puddle or trail of black or brown fluid with a thick and slimy texture, that is an oil leak. You should bring your car to a mechanic as soon as possible.
Oil level is low
If you suspect a leak from your oil pan gasket, you can check your oil with the dipstick. In fact, you should be checking your oil semi-regularly, as this is a responsible practice for car owners in keeping a well-functioning vehicle. If the oil level is lower than it should be since your last replacement, it could be the result of your oil pan gasket leak.
Engine is overheating
If your oil pan gasket has a leak, the proper amount of oil will not be able to reach your engine and lubricate the moving parts. The increased friction from the lack of oil in the engine will most likely cause your engine to start overheating. This is a very serious problem.
If your engine continuously overheats, it could cause permanent damage to the vehicle. If your engine is overheating, be sure to bring it to a mechanic as soon as possible to diagnose whether it is an oil pan gasket leak or a different problem. They will inspect and diagnose the issue to fix it right away.
Engine warning/check engine light
Your check engine light can come on from a multitude of issues with your car, as many sensors from other systems all have this warning sensor in common. One of these issues is an oil pan gasket leak. If there is a leak or problem with your oil pan gasket, your check engine light should illuminate and you should take your Jaguar in for inspection and service.
The check engine light is not to be assumed to be an oil leak on its own.The warning alert is simply an indicator. There could be easy fixes such as a loose gas cap, an air filter that needs changed, or many other factors. This is why it’s important to take your car to a mechanic to see if this warning light is on your dashboard.
Cerrone’s European Will Inspect your Check Engine Light
The oil pan gasket is an exceptionally important part of your vehicle, as it is an essential component to keeping your engine lubricated properly so it can run at full power without overheating.
In order to keep your oil pan gasket in good shape, check for leaks and check your oil level regularly, as any good Jaguar owner should. If something is amiss, bring your Jaguar to us at Cerrone’s European in Redwood City, CA. We’ll diagnose the issue, fix your oil pan gasket leak, and have you driving your Jaguar confidently out of our shop. We look forward to earning your patronage for all your Jaguar service and maintenance needs.