Oil leak - can it wait?

Question

Just found out my car has an oil leak; I kind of figured it did for awhile, but the oil change dude today confirmed we have an oil leak. Seems like we HAVE to change the oil every 2-3 months cuz it gets really low.

My question is - is this something that can wait a few months? I don't have the money right now to fix it and am not sure how expensive it would be but would have the money here in 3-4 months. How immediate is this problem?

Obviously if it's something immediate then I will have to figure out something.

Answer 1

A friends car has a oil leak and now I have a big

oily spot in the asphalt in front of my house that

a neighbor complains about.

It's not very environmental friendly because

where ever your car is it's leaving oil.

I told my friend to buy some kitty litter to put

over it, and to buy a plastic litter pan to try to

catch the leak. Every two days she's putting oil

in the car. That's bad, and a mess.

Answer 2

Depending on where it is, you should be able to wait.  Just keep checking your oil regularly and add if need be.  The only thing you would really have to worry about is if the oil was leaking onto something that it could effect, which is not that likely.  A small oil leak makes a big mess, so its probably only a drip.  Have a mechanic look at it to confirm where it is and how bad it is and just tell him your story.  

Answer 3

honestly, as long as you keep the oil filled to the top of the fill line, you can wait indefinitely.  it should be repaired, but the cars of the early 80's and earlier ALL leaked.  heck we used to add a qt every 150 miles and noone thought that unusual back then.  didn't hurt anything either, engines just kept on running BUT you did have to keep an eye on it b/c if it gets too low your engine will seize...  

also, find out what it costs.  valve cover gaskets and oil pan gaskets are only 20-40 dollars at a car parts store and can easily be replaced in an hour or two by any back yard mechanic.  sometimes it's the drain plug, which can be replaced for 3 or 4 dollars and an oil change.  occassionally it's the oil pan itself which costs a little more but is also easily replaced in the back yard...

if it's the head gasket or rear main seal, you have a problem that can be expensive... but the first 4 are far more common and easily remedied.

Answer 4

If you have to change the oil every 2-3 months that is normal.

If you notice an oil leak that creates a puddle then yes, you need to get it taken care of ASAP.

I had an oil leak that was just the size of a 50 cent piece. Not a big deal.

Just to be on the safe side, check underneath your vehicle after you have been somewhere. Also, check your oil dipstick at least twice a week.

Answer 5

Oil to a car is like blood to your body.  Depending how fast it is leaking out and where it is leaking to is an important factor.  Some leaks can be put off for a while but make sure that you keep checking the level daily and keep some oil in your trunk in case you need to top up.  Oil spilling from the top of the motor can become a fire hazard whereas oil leaking from the bottom isn't quite as dangerous.

Answer 6

it can wait a few months, just don't let your engine run dry.

if it leaks onto any rubber parts it will eventually destroy them.

Answer 7

Well, depends on where he said it was leaking from, and you can wait possibly.  Just have to keep an eye on the oil level, and make sure it doesn't go empty on you.

Answer 8

Well how long has it been leaking, how big a stain is it leaving over night when you park in a fresh spot, changing you roil every three thousand miles or three months is the normal. If you check th edipstick just before the oil change and note the difference when it is filled again, it will tell you how much you are losing. How old is the car, how much mileage is there on it, all these things will tell you if it is worth the time and expence of fixing the leak, or just keeping an eye on the level. You never stated if you were having to add oil between changes.

Answer 9

yeh it can wait dude.  Put a drip pan under it so you can catch the oil in that instead of a driveway.  So what's wrong with you pulling the stick every week and checking the oil.  My daugther and I go round and round with this one.  Why wait, have a quart of spare oil in the trunk someplace and fill it when it gets low, who know, you could put off repairs for several years, after all its just a leak, not really a repair.

Answer 10

As long as you keep the oil reservoir filled, you should be alright.  Keep a close watch on it, or you can cause expensive damage.

Answer 11

It is hard to say depends on where the leak is.  However if you are only doing something with it every 2 to 3 montsh I would say it is a slow leak but I would definately keep a close eye on my oil if you run dry it will sieze your engine then you will not have a car.  

We try to keep our car maintained very well we know the importance of keeping them in good shape however there are even times we have to wait due to lack of money.   JUST WATCH YOUR OIL CLOSELY...

Answer 12

Oil leaks are messy and the longer you wait the harder they are to fix and clean up under the car. That said if you keep a quart or two of motor oil in the car and house and check the oil level weekly you should be ok for a while. If you allow the motor to leak out and forget to check the oil level that will cost you a 3 to 4 thousand dollar repair bill so it is up to you. Check oil after sitting overnight on level ground first thing in the morning. Easier than when the motor is hot.