Q: Oil leaks when engine is idling

asked by on May 31, 2016

I saw an oil leak on the passenger side of my car, just behind the tire. What could be causing it?

Oil/Fluid Leak Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

The oil leak may be the oil filter or oil pressure sensor. This is if the leak is engine oil. If it is power steering oil then the rack and pinion is leaking. If the brake fluid is low then it is a brake line or caliper leaking. Have a mechanic diagnose the source of the leak for you if you cannot identify where it is coming from.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

How do you install a child seat with a tether?
Your Accord is equipped with three anchor points above the back of the rear seat. You’ll need to remove the plastic covers to access the metal anchors, though. To install a child seat with a tether: Install the seat where...
Engine runs, but car doesn't accelerate?
Knowing the results of the computer diagnosis as well as the part that was replaced can be helpful in assisting you with your Pontiac G3. It is possible the part that was replaced is defective and may need to be...
Heater Core Replacement
Hi, thanks for your question. I'd be happy to help. If you follow the direction to remove the heater core, you will have to remove the rear floor duct to remove heater core cover. To get the rear floor duct...
Is it true that once you use synthetic motor oil, you can't go back to conventional or blend?
Hi there, thanks for writing in. This is one of the biggest myths that exist when it comes to motor oils. You can most certainly switch back and forth at anytime. Synthetic oils are in fact simply a blend of...
Truck overheats with new thermostat and waterpump
Hi, thanks for writing in. By reading your description of the overheating issues, I'd tend to agree that the radiator fan clutch (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-fan-clutch) may be the culprit of your overheating issues. However, one thing to check into is whether there...
Brake fuel lines are corroded and the car seems to be leaking gas
Brake lines are under very high pressure when your foot is on the pedal measured in the hundreds of pounds of pressure per square inch. Fuel supply lines are under pressure as well, around 40-65 PSI. The first concern is...
My car bucks when I step on the gas pedal, even in park. It acts like it's not getting fuel, at idle it runs smoothly.
This may be a sign of a dirty or failing mass air flow sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/mass-airflow-sensor-replacement). The mass air flow sensor is a unit in the intake system that monitors air intake as it is mixed with fuel prior to being...
Alternator or Battery is not Charging
The first thing is that disconnecting the battery cable when the engine is running can damage the alternator and computer modules on the vehicle. This will cause voltage spikes that will burn electrical circuits out. With the description of the...
Why is my 2004 chevy malibu classic wont start in the morning when its cold/moist outside but when it gets hot my car will start
You may have spark plug wires that are arching to ground and when cold and damp the plugs needs extra power to jump plug gap and wires ground out first before spark gets to plugs. Try replacing plug wires and...

Related articles

How Much Power Does the AC Draw From the Engine?
Most cars these days come with air conditioning as a standard feature – gone are the days...
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Oil Pan
Common signs include puddles of oil under the car, leaks around the oil drain plug, and visible damage to the oil pan.
How to Prep an Engine Block for Paint
When When you are rebuilding an engine (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-a-modern-engine-works), you’ll probably want to paint the engine block. It serves a few purposes including being clean and attractive in appearance, protecting from corrosion and rust, and offering a custom look, even matched...