Preventing and Fixing Volvo Car Oil Leaks: Expert Tips for Maintaining Vehicle Performance

As a Volvo rider, you must know that despite delivering peak performance and a smooth driving experience, your Volvo may encounter oil leaks that can be a mess. But with brilliant servicing skills and innovative ideas, you can tackle oil leaks and maintain a flawless trip down the road. So, without further delay, here is the expert advice to mend your Volvo oil leaks to grasp precise results.

Tips to uncover your Volvo oil leaks?

• Insufficient oil: Noticing low oil levels while checking with a dipstick during regular inspection.
• Oil patches under your car: Seeing fresh oil stains under your Volvo while parked.
• Burning aroma: Smelling a burning odor while ignition or driving due to the burning of oil drops leaking on the overheated engine surfaces.
• Strange noises: Hearing a weird knocking sound from the engine, specifically while accelerating, as the engine works hard to run your car due to inadequate oil, dealing with high friction, overheating, and low lubrication of the moving engine parts.
• Smoke-filled hood: Observing fumes coming out of the hood due to burning of the oil drops when leaks on excess hot engine parts.
• Low oil warning light: Noticing low engine oil warning light illuminating or flickering on the dashboard.
• Engine overheating: Engine producing excessive heat is the most common sign of oil leaks, as the engine doesn’t get sufficient oil for cooling and lubrication.

Frequent cculprits of your Volvo oil leaks

v Problematic oil pan and drain plug: The oil pan and drain plug are situated below the engine, holding the engine oil. However, they may get ruptured or cracked while coming across road debris, and the oil can drip easily through a damaged oil pan or drain plug.

v Faulty gasket and seal: These engine components help to seal the engine top tightly, but they wear out gradually, leading to oil discharge through them.

v Loose joints and hose clamps: If the fittings or hose clamps are loose, they allow the oil to escape, minimizing the oil level.

v Crankshaft seal failure: This is a seal between the crankshaft and the engine block, protecting the oil flow. But if this seal ruptures, the oil can drip from it.

v Poor oil filter: A dirty or blocked oil filter can build up pressure, leading to oil seepage.

Tackling your Volvo oil leaks

After confirming that your Volvo is discharging oil, you must follow the below steps to fix the oil seepage.

• Search for the leaking source and identify the oil-dripping spot by checking the outer surface of the suspicious components.
• Analyse the severity of the leak. You can fix minor leaks by tightening the caps or replacing the seals, but you must seek professional assistance to deal with more critical leaks.
• Visit the nearest garage and repair or replace the leaking component immediately to avoid oil loss, further engine breakdown, and environmental pollution.
• Get the help of a skilled mechanic expert in Volvo repairs and provide him with the manufacturer’s manual for reference.

Guidelines for avoiding oil leaks

• Routine upkeep includes

oil changes and oil level inspection that can detect leaks early.

• Prefer high-quality oil while refilling the oil pan and ask the technician to use genuine auto parts to replace the worn-out components according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
• Inspect the gaskets and seals periodically for any signs of wear and tear. Replace the damaged component immediately with the help of a skilled mechanic.
• Remember not to overfill the oil pan, as an excess load on the reservoir can trigger multiple leaks.
• Keep the engine area clean and replace the oil filter regularly so that you can discover the leakage spots quickly.

Wrapping up

From the above article, we understood how essential oil is to keep your Volvo running seamlessly. So, it is your prime duty to keep your Volvo safe from oil leaks and fix the problematic auto parts that may proceed to oil leaks if not addressed correctly. You must follow the above servicing tips for restoring the leaking parts with professional assistance, but keep a minimum idea of steps to maintain the engine and other nearby components at home. After all, there is no comparable joy except riding a healthy Volvo, delivering its optimal performance.

Auto Scandia is one of the most sought-after high-end European car maintenance and repair facility located in Herndon, VA that is having over 40 years of experience in looking after luxury cars like BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, Volkswagen, and Volvo.