Fixing a car oil leak will cost somewhere between $600-$1,000, with an average price of $800. Let’s look at the factors impacting the total cost of this auto repair.
Average Costs To Fix A Car Oil Leak
As mentioned, most drivers will pay between $600-$1,000 to repair an oil leak. If you are unsure where the leak is coming from, though, you can expect to pay about $100 for a professional to diagnose the problem.
After this, prices can vary based on repairs associated with the root cause of the oil leak.
Factors That Impact Oil Leak Repair Costs
Here are all the common factors that can impact the total cost of this service:
- Oil Leak Source: Some issues, including a missing fuel cap, are simple fixes that can be done for cheap. Other issues, such as crankshaft seals, can be more expensive to fix.
- Discovery Of The Leak: Mechanics ultimately charge for their time. This means the quicker they locate the leak, the less you’ll spend overall.
- Labor Costs: A lot of the cost of the repair is labor. You can save on these costs by shopping around for the best rates.
- Parts: Seals, filters, and gaskets wear out over time. This means you should avoid purchasing used parts when repairing an oil leak.
- Make And Model: Large and luxury vehicles are typically more expensive to work on than other vehicles.
- Warranty: Typically, gaskets and seals will be covered under a powertrain warranty.
Here is an overview of some average costs for car parts:
| Leak Source | Average Cost Of Parts | Average Labor Cost | Approximate Total Cost |
| Valve cover gasket | $65 | $175-$220 | $240-$285 |
| Oil pan gasket | $120 | $300-$380 | $420-$500 |
| Timing cover gasket | $160 | $700-$890 | $860-$1,050 |
| Oil filter change | $90 | $40-$50 | $130-$140 |
| Oil filter cap replacement | $10-$50 | $50 | $60-$100 |
| Crankshaft seal | $10-$150 | $65-$300 | $75-$450 |
*These are cost estimates according to Synchrony. Contact the team at Ascot Automotive in Flagstaff, AZ for more information!
What Causes Car Oil Leaks?
Knowing exactly where the leak originates from is the first step toward a repair. It’s possible a leak occurred simply from overfilling the oil. Let’s look at the most common culprits of an oil leak below.
Failing Crankshaft Seals
The crankshaft rotates inside the engine to power it. This has two seals, with one featured at the front and one at the rear of the engine. You will notice an oil leak if one or both seals begin to fail.
Here is what you should know about crankshaft seal oil leaks:
- The front seal is usually easier to reach and less expensive to repair. Oil will be found at the front of the motor when this seal fails.
- The rear seal is harder to access and more expensive to repair. Leaks can be located between the engine and transmission.
Damaged Oil Filter
Oil collects dust and debris as it moves through the engine. The oil filter is responsible for removing those contaminants, but it can cause leaks for a few different reasons, including:
- If the filter is degraded and dirty, it can clog the filter and result in leaks.
- If the filter is loose it can also cause an oil leak.
- A filter cap can crack. If this is the case, you will need a new cap.
Degraded Gaskets
Gaskets offer a seal between two different engine parts. They are generally made from aluminum or steel coated in rubber. Many gaskets can last over 100,000 miles. Over time, though, the rubber breaks down and allows leakage.
Here are a few of the different gaskets that can contribute to an oil leak:
- The oil pan gasket sits between the bottom of the engine and the oil pan, collecting oil as it leaves the engine. If the gasket is leaking, you may notice an oil slick on the ground or see smoke coming from the engine.
- The valve cover gasket will sit over the engine cylinders. If there is a leak in this gasket, the spark plugs can fill with oil. This calls for a replacement of the spark plugs.
- The timing cover gasket sits across the top of the engine. The oil here helps lubricate your timing belt, so if the leak is not fixed promptly, you may need to replace the timing belt.
Ascot Automotive Specialists In Flagstaff, AZ
Ascot Automotive offers an extensive array of auto repair solutions to address every issue your vehicle may encounter. From routine maintenance to intricate repairs, our adept technicians possess the expertise to keep your vehicle running smoothly. Contact our experienced team today!
