Why Is My Car Leaking Oil?
Have you noticed an oil leak under your car? If so, you may be wondering what's causing it and what you should do next. Our award-winning team here at Bobby Rahal BMW of South Hills created this guide to help drivers like you throughout Canonsburg and Uniontown, PA, and Morgantown and Wheeling, WV, continue driving safely.
Reasons Your Car May Be Leaking Oil
There are a few reasons your BMW may be leaking oil. Usually, oil leaks are caused by an engine filter, engine gasket, valve cover gasket, or seal that needs to be replaced. Other possibilities include a loose drain plug or hole in the oil pan.
A knowledgeable service technician can identify the cause of the leak and suggest the best way to proceed.
What to Do If Your BMW Is Leaking Oil
If you see a pool of oil underneath your BMW or notice leakage around your engine, it is important to schedule an inspection to determine the cause and address it quickly. This will help avoid or mitigate anything further from happening and improve the performance of your BMW.
In addition to noticing a puddle underneath your BMW, there are a few other signs that indicate an oil leak:
- Check engine light turns on.
- Smell of burning oil.
- Excessive smoke from the engine.
- Overheated engine.
By bringing your BMW in for periodic inspection and routine engine oil and filter changes, you can extend its lifespan, improve its performance, and increase its fuel economy.

How Often Should I Schedule Oil Changes?
Recommended oil change intervals may vary based on your BMW model, year, and condition. For the most part, however, you should schedule an oil change between every 5,000 and 7,500 miles if your BMW uses conventional oil, and every 15,000 miles if it uses full synthetic oil.
During this service, the technician will replace the engine filter, drain the old engine oil, and replace it with fresh oil. This ensures that the various components in the combustion engine remain well-lubricated, cool, and protected.

Our Award-Winning Service Center & BMW-Certified Technicians
At our service center, we have a team of experienced, factory-trained, and BMW-certified technicians who can quickly and accurately diagnose whatever may be going on with your BMW. They will let you know what your options are and give you their expert recommendations.
Then, we can perform whatever type of routine maintenance or repairs your vehicle needs to ensure you can continue driving safely. We will use only BMW original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts that are warranty-compliant, so you can rest assured knowing your BMW will receive the highest quality parts and service.
While we provide your BMW with maintenance or repairs at our award-winning service center, you can also relax in our comfortable waiting room where we offer free Wi-Fi and cable TV for you to enjoy.
Schedule a Multi-Point Inspection at Our Service Center Today
Now that you know why your vehicle may be leaking oil, you can take the next step by booking a multi-point inspection. Contact us at Bobby Rahal BMW of South Hills to schedule a service appointment near Canonsburg, and Uniontown, Pennsylvania, and Morgantown and Wheeling, West Virginia, today!
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Bobby Rahal BMW of South Hills
2610 Washington Road
Canonsburg, PA 15317
- Sales: (724) 746-2600