Oil Leak Diagnosis & Repair in Austin
Oil spots under your car or a burning-oil smell can have more than one cause. At 766 Auto in East Austin, we inspect the vehicle to locate the source before recommending a repair. We explain the findings and provide a written estimate before repairs are authorized.
Locating the source of the leak
Oil does not always drip where it leaks. It can run along the engine, the transmission or the underbody before it reaches the ground, so the spot on your driveway and its color do not prove where the leak starts.
Not every puddle is engine oil. Transmission fluid, coolant and A/C condensation can also collect under a vehicle. Condensation from the A/C is plain water and is normal on a hot day. If you are unsure what you are seeing, bring the vehicle in and we will look at it.
If the fluid is coming from the transmission, see our transmission service page. If the engine is losing coolant or running hot, start with engine diagnostics.
Source inspection and gasket and seal repair
We inspect the vehicle to find where the oil is coming from, then explain what we found and what repair, if any, makes sense. Depending on the source, that can involve a gasket or a seal.
We do not guess at a part. The repair is recommended after the source is located, and you receive a written estimate before any repair is authorized.
What affects cost and time
- How hard the leaking area is to reach.
- How much has to be removed to reach it.
- The parts the repair needs.
- Testing needed to confirm the source.
- Related damage found along the way.
We give you the details in a written estimate before repairs are authorized. Completion times depend on the repair, parts and workload, and are not guaranteed.
Oil leak or oil consumption?
An external leak lets oil escape from the engine. Consumption means oil is being used up inside the engine. Both can leave the oil level low, and not seeing a puddle does not tell you which one it is. An inspection helps separate the two.
Just need maintenance? See oil change and maintenance. An oil change is routine service and is different from diagnosing a leak.
When to stop driving
An oil-pressure warning, heavy oil loss, smoke or an unusual engine noise means you should stop driving safely, shut the engine off and get assistance. Adding oil does not resolve an oil-pressure warning.
Written estimate and warranty
You receive a written estimate before repairs are authorized. Eligible repairs include our standard 2-year / 24,000-mile parts-and-labor warranty, unless otherwise specified.
Call (512) 766-2886 or use the request form below. You can also read about car diagnostics and engine repair and all of our services.
Fair prices. Quality repairs.
Fair, upfront prices
Parts and labor itemized in writing before any work begins. No surprise charges.
You approve every repair
We call before doing anything beyond the estimate, and we show you what we found.
Quality repairs, backed in writing
Quality parts and careful workmanship, with a standard 2 year or 24,000 mile warranty on eligible parts and labor.
Request a drop-off
Tell us what the vehicle is doing and when you would like to bring it in. Prefer to talk it through? Call (512) 766-2886.
Schedule your drop-off
Tell us about your car and when you plan to bring it in. Every repair starts with a written estimate, and nothing is done until you approve it.
Tell us what the car is doing
Describe what your vehicle is doing and we'll build your check-in. You can add more than one concern, and nothing is sent until you press the submit button at the bottom of this form.