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Oil leaks can be a major issue for any car owner. It can be the result of multiple things
ranging from a faulty oil seal to a bad engine gasket. Oil leaks are expensive and are difficult
to plan and save for in advance. However, it's better to be prepared and be ready for
dispensing some money.
But before we move on to discussing how much you should save up to fix your oil leak, it's
necessary to understand something about it.
Why are oil leaks dangerous?
Oil leaks are messy and get in different parts of your car. It can cause engine issues that can cost you a lot to repair. Note that the oil present keeps your car lubricated and cool during times of normal operation. But low levels of oil cause as a result of a leak can cause engine damage quickly. Note that once there are oil leaks you will have to repair your car. If you don't, then very soon your car will overheat and fail to move. Thus, it can leave you stranded in the middle of the road as well. So if you want to keep your car moving then make sure that you fix the leaks.
What are the factors influencing the cost of oil leak repair?
To understand the cost of oil leak fixing, you need to know about the factors that influence
the repair prices:
1. Location
The cost of oil leak fix and repair depends on multiple things. Note that the number one factor in cost determination is the location of the leak. If the location is easy to reach and fix then your repair price will be low. But if the leak is at a hard-to-reach place, then you will have to pay a lot for it. After all, most of the repair cost depends on the labor that will be needed to remove and then replace or seal the leaking components. For example: if you have to replace the valve cover to seal the leak, then you won't have to pay much. The leak doesn't need much labor, and neither does one need to remove or replace expensive parts for it.
2. Replacement materials
There is another factor in the repair cost and that is the price of the replacement parts and materials. If the parts are easy and simple to find or are made by multiple manufacturers then that will reduce the cost. You can save anywhere from $5 to $30 if the repair involves simple parts. On the other hand, know that replacing a car's shaft seal is difficult as well as one of the most expensive jobs. Here multiple components have to be removed, including engine accessories and timing belts.
However, if the parts are difficult to find, as in, made for a particular model or are produced by just a few manufacturers then the cost of repair will rise.
3. Car model
Know that a crucial factor in any kind of car repair is the car model and its year of manufacture. If the car is recent then its parts are easy, so oil leak fixing costs are kept low. However, if the vehicle is decades-old then any fix becomes expensive since the parts are difficult to find and the car has to be handled with care as well. So depending on all these factors, the cost of repair can range anywhere from $150 to a whopping $1300 and even more.
So the cost of oil leak repair depends on multiple factors. However, it's advised that no
matter what, you get the issue fixed by a professional. It will ensure a better repair and
your car will car smoother.