Have you noticed an oil leak between your vehicle’s front two tires?
There are a number of reasons that could be behind it.
Needing a new valve cover gasket is one of them. Technician Jason replaced this part on a 2015 Jeep Patriot on Tuesday.
What is a valve cover gasket?
The valve cover covers the rocker arms, valve springs and seals on top of the engine. It goes between the valve cover and cylinder head, so oil doesn’t leak from the top of the engine.
“It can also cover up any other oil leaks, so it’s very important to keep this … up to par,” Jason explained.
Other oil leak culprits
An oil leak doesn’t necessarily mean that the valve cover gasket needs to be replaced.
Many components can leak oil, including the oil pan, oil filter housing — also known as the oil filter adapter — drain plugs, and front and rear crankshaft seals.
Depending on the make and model, a vehicle may have oil cooler lines that can leak.
HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Michelin and BFGoodrich tire dealer located in Woodbridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.