Why is Your Mini Leaking After an Oil Change in Seaside?

Changing the engine oil in your Mini is one of the regular maintenance services that help to keep the engine functioning. However, there are times when you might see some oil dripping after an oil change has been done. This can be worrying and annoying but it is important to know that there are several reasons why this might happen. Let’s look at some of the possible causes of oil leaks in a Mini after changing the oil and what you can do to address the issue.

Reasons For Oil Leak In Mini After An Oil Change

Incorrect Oil Filter Installation

An oil filter that was not fitted correctly is one of the most frequent causes of oil leaks after you change the oil in your Mini. The oil filter needs to be screwed on tightly so that there can be a proper seal. If the filter is too large or too small, it will create gaps that will eventually lead to a leak. To avoid this, you have to check the oil filter. Ensure it is properly screwed and make sure it is correctly positioned.

Damaged Oil Filter Gasket

At times, it is the gasket of the oil filter that gets damaged. If the gasket is cracked or split, it will not be able to form the seal necessary to prevent oil leaks. This could be as a result of over tightening of the gasket or if the gasket was faulty before installation.

If you believe that the gasket is compromised in any way, you will have to change the oil filter with a new one. Before installing the new gasket it is recommended to apply a small amount of oil on the gasket to ensure proper sealing. Also, if the old oil filter gasket was not thoroughly removed before fitting the new one, this will hamper the new filter from sealing correctly.

Carelessly Tightened or Over Tightened Drain Plug

Another thing that can lead to oil leakage is when the drain plug is loose or overtightened. The drain plug is the component that enables the old oil to be expelled from the engine of your Mini during an oil change. If it is not tightened correctly it can lead to oil leakage and this is not what any car owner would wish to see happen.

On the other hand, if it is overtightened it can cause the threads to strip and this also leads to leakage. To address this, one should check the drain plug and make sure that it is tightened as instructed by the manufacturer. If the threads are stripped, then the drain plug will have to be replaced.

Damaged Oil Pan Gasket

An oil pan gasket is a gasket that seals the oil pan to the engine block. This gasket may deteriorate or be damaged after a while and this results in oil leakage. The problem might become more apparent after an oil change because the fresh oil can easily find its way through the compromised gasket. If you think that the oil pan gasket is the problem, then it must be replaced. This may be a complex repair, so you may need to visit an auto technician if you are not confident about carrying out the repair by yourself.

Overfilled Oil

Too much oil in the engine can also lead to oil leakage. If there is excess oil in the engine, it builds up pressure which in turn pushes the oil through the seals and gaskets. This is why it is necessary to pour the right quantity of oil as recommended by your Mini’s owner manual. If you put more oil than required, you will have to remove some oil until it reaches the right level. Do not forget to use the dipstick to check the level of the oil in your car.

Entrust Your Mini to Our Experts

Marlow Mercedes-Werks is the ideal repair shop for your European gasoline and diesel cars. If you live in Seaside, CA, or nearby cities and are looking for a Mini specialized shop to perform an oil change in a way that there won’t be leakage afterward, we are here to assist you. Our professionals are detail oriented and we guarantee that your experience at our garage will be pleasant. Contact us now to book your next Mini service.