Even a tiny oil spot under your Subaru indicates a problem that should be looked at. If you notice an abrupt drop in oil levels and a burning oil odor, it’s important to top up oil level and to bring your Subaru to our San Francisco auto care facility to have your vehicle diagnosed as soon as possible. Subaru engines, particularly those of the “boxer” design, are known for suffering from oil leaks. Valve cover gasket is often the culprit – due to high heat rubber seals tend to degrade over time, resulting in oil leaks.
In addition to the valve cover gasket, camshaft carrier seals may deteriorate and leak, so can variable valve timing solenoid O-rings, and front crankshaft seals. If the oil pressure switch cracks, oil will seep out, and of course there is always the “old faithful” – oil pan gasket, which is a popular cause of oil leaks on all vehicles, not just Subarus.
Naturally our first step involves thorough diagnostics so we find the true cause of the oil leak. Since oil flows across surfaces, it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact source of the leak. Fortunately, our nationally ASE-certified technicians have extensive Subaru repair experience, so we will find the source of the leak, regardless of its location. Once we know the nature of the leak, we will inform you of the available repair options, and upon your approval, we will proceed with the repairs. We offer OEM-quality parts, and our repairs are backed by a 2 year / 24,000 mile warranty.
How can you prevent oil leaks – regular driving and regular maintenance. Cars that sit for weeks at a time can suffer from dry seals – engine oil has conditioners that keep rubber flexible – when seals don’t get coated in engine oil on regular basis, they can dry out and crack. Regular maintenance, on the other hand, gives your mechanic an opportunity to spot leaks early, while they are still small. Flushing engine coolant on manufacturer recommended schedule keeps the engine cool, preventing it from producing excess heat that can damage gaskets. Preventing oil leaks requires the same actions as preventing many other car problems – but these actions need to be consistent over time.
So if your Subaru has developed an oil leak, or if you don’t want to see oil spots on the floor of your garage, call Pat’s Garage for Subaru service or repairs – we have decades of Subaru repair experience, and will keep your Subaru in top shape for you. Call Pat’s Garage in San Franscisco and experience friendly service and quality repairs.