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Why does my car leak oil when parked?

My oil levels seem fine, but I’ve noticed my car has started to have a small oil leak underneath. Why does my car leak oil when parked?

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Melanie Mergen · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Here are some reasons why your car might leak oil when parked:
  • Loose or over-tightened oil pan gasket
  • Faulty or loose oil drain plug
  • Oil filter was improperly installed
  • Worn out oil seal
  • Faulty connections allowing oil to leak
If you have any doubts about whether your car’s leaking oil or a different fluid, you should be able to confirm its oil if it’s brown to black in color.
In the meantime, it’s a good idea to monitor your oil levels regularly as you try to find the source of the leak to make sure it stays under control. If the leak persists and you’re having trouble keeping your oil level where it needs to be, you’ll want to have a mechanic take a look.
As you work to address that oil leak, you may also want to look at your
car insurance
policy to see whether you need to seal any gaps in coverage. If you’re looking for better coverage at a better rate, the
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.

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