Posted on 2/27/2026
A small oil leak can feel like a later problem. The car still starts, runs, and gets you where you need to go, so it’s tempting to top off and move on. Oil leaks rarely stay neat for long. Most small leaks either grow, spread, or create secondary problems that cost more than the original repair. Fixing it early is usually the cheaper and less stressful route. Why Small Oil Leaks Get Worse Heat cycles and vibration work against gaskets and seals every time you drive. Once a seal starts weeping, oil softens rubber nearby, attracts grit, and turns a clean surface into a slippery one that’s harder to seal later. A damp spot today can become a steady drip a month from now. Even if the leak rate stays small, the mess rarely does. Airflow under the vehicle can spread oil across shields, suspension parts, and wiring, making it harder to spot new issues. Common Engine Oil Leak Sources Many leaks start in places that are easy to overlook becaus ... read more