Getting your oil changed regularly is one of the best things you can do to help extend the life of your engine and your car. The oil in your engine is essential to quiet and smooth operation of your vehicle and reduced friction in your engine. When you are getting on the highway or merging into traffic your engine can be turning as much as 6000 RPM meaning that your engine will make 1 full revolution every .01 seconds! While your engine is spinning that fast it is also transmitting a surprising amount of power and torque through the spinning crankshaft so the loads on the bearings can be quite substantial. Besides your main bearings traveling fast and carrying a lot of load, your pistons are flying up and down in the cylinder and incredible rates, sometimes traveling at over 45 miles per hour themselves!
All these high numbers mean it is extremely important to keep these components well lubricated. The lubrication will reduce the friction it takes to move everything in your engine which will help your engine operate more efficiently with more power transmitted to the wheels. Better lubricated and less friction also means less heat and wear on your engine’s components which will allow it to last much longer.
Engine oil has progressed a significant amount in the past few years and there are many options available to drivers today. Conventional oil, as it is called today, is a petroleum product and has been used to lubricate engines since cars have been around. It is made through a refinement process out of crude oil and offers great protection for your engine. Synthetic oils, made from a variety of products, have also recently become popular replacements for conventional oil and are even recommended in some newer and higher performance vehicles. For a quick read on synthetic oils, check out this article about synthetic oil technology. Both conventional and synthetic oils today are available with lots of additives to help fight sludge in your engine, high mileage wear, and even leaks.
Before we get into why leaks tend to pop up after oil changes, we feel obligated to make a quick mention of oil weight, or viscosity. As you’ve been shopping for oil you’ve probably seen something like “5W-30” on a bottle of oil. The number represent the thickness, or viscosity of the oil. The “W” indicates it is a multi-viscosity oil meaning it is thinner at colder temperatures. “5W-30” means this oil will act like a 5 weight oil, which is very thin, when cold and a 30 weight oil when warm. This is a benefit to your engine because when it is cold, a thinner oil can offer more protection but at normal operating temperatures you need a thicker oil to support the bearings in your motor. When you’re choosing the proper oil for your car, the best place to go is the owner’s manual. There is no universal right or wrong weight oil for every car. The oil your car needs is based on how the engineer’s that built it designed the bearings and oil passages. If your motor has tight tolerances and small bearing clearances it will need a lighter oil to perform properly. Make sure you choose the right oil for your car based on the climate you live in.
To answer why you have an oil leak after an oil change, we’ll go back to all the additives put in oils today. Old conventional oils were known for creating sludge or gunk in your engine. If temperatures got too hot the oil could literally bake onto the inside of your motor. Or if you let an oil change go too long, the wear products suspended in it could get caught in passages and corners of your engine blocking oil flow and reducing lubrication which will slowly kill your engine. To counter this, oil manufacturers started putting detergents and solvents in oils to help remove this sludge and the buildups that may be created. In many cases, especially in older cars, these buildups could often form at the point of a slow leak. Once the cleaners in the new oil wash the buildup away, the fresh oil can easily escape through that leak making a mess of your engine and driveway.
If you discover an oil leak after an oil change it may not be your mechanic’s fault. The good news is these kinds of leaks are usually small enough to be easily repairable! Simply pick up a bottle of BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak and add it to your new engine oil. BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak is safe to leave in your car until your next oil change and will mix with your oil to create a powerful leak sealing agent. BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak will travel through your vehicle’s engine revitalizing the old gaskets and seals restoring them to their original size and shape sealing your leak without the hefty repair bills.
For more information about BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak, visit our product information page here: Oil Stop Leak
If you’re ready to stop your oil leaks, stop by any of our partnering local auto parts stores and ask for BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak!
- AutoZone
- Advance Auto Parts
- Bennett Auto Supply
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- O’Reilly Auto Parts
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- Bumper to Bumper Auto Parts Specialists
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oil_change.jpg – By Dvorty Girl – Licensed by Creative Commons Via Wikimedia – Original Link
BlueDevil Products can be found on Amazon.com or at AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, O’Reilly Auto Parts, NAPA, and other major auto parts retailers.
39 responses to "Why do I Have an Oil Leak After an Oil Change?"
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just got the oil changed and added blue devil. This is my second bottle. Still have a few leaks. Will it hurt to try another bottle.
George-
No, it would be safe to add a 2nd application. Feel free to contact our tech support team at 888-863-0426 with any further questions.
Thank You!
-BDP
I have an old 4wheeler Merc ML350. It has crossed 195000 km. The power steering oil seems to be leaking and I have to top it up every 3 day. Will Blue devil help me. I can’t get it fixed as they charge me a fortune here and I cannot afford it.
Jerry-
Yes, add 1/3 of a bottle of the BlueDevil Power Steering Stop Leak to seal the leak coming from your power steering unit. You should notice results after about 100 miles of driving.
Thank You!
-BDP
Hi i just picked up a bottle of blue devil oil stop leak and going to see if it will stop a leak that has been hard to track down on my 1986 cressida, my question is i just did the oil change 300 miles ago, if i add this and let it go till my next oil change, will i have to keep adding it to the oil at every oil change?, or is one application all that is needed if the leak stops?. Thanks much and god bless.
Tony-
Thank you for asking about your Toyota Cressida. Once the BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak seals, it would create a permanent seal. If you are not experiencing a leak, you would not need to re-use the product.
Thank you!
-BDP
I just got a oil change and my car is leaking oil what can I add to stop the leak
Naomi-
Based on your description, we would recommend using the BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak. The Oil Stop Leak is a universal application and would treat an oil pan gasket, valve cover seal, rear main seal, etc. You should expect to see results after about 100-200 miles of driving.
Thank you!
-BDP
I have just brought a little manual lancer and the clutch is completely gone in it I have an engine flush and new oil filter but I can see leakage will this help?
Crystal,
Thanks for your question about your Lancer. If you are experiencing oil leaking from your engine then yes, BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak can seal the oil leak and keep your oil level from getting low. As far as your clutch being worn out, unfortunately all you can do in that case is have the clutch replaced. Since that will include removal of the transmission you may have the mechanics check for oil leaks while they’re replacing the clutch.
Thanks again for your question!
-BD Auto Pro
I have been having to recharge my A/C every Spring. The last mechanic to work on my truck said I may have a small leak somewhere, but the test for it is expensive. How long will the A/C seal last until I can save to get it fixed?
Kay-
Once the Red Angel A/C Stop Leak creates a seal, it would be a permanent seal. Feel free to contact our technical support line at 888-863-0426 with any other questions.
Thank you!
-BDP
Hi, I have a low mileage Chrysler 300 owned since new. It just turned to 30k and I decided to move to Mobile One’s Full Synthetic 5w20. After doing so it began leaking within a week and it never leaked a drop prior. It’s a 2.7 engine and the leak appears to be coming from the center as it sits on our driveway. Possibly from the oil pan. What would be your recommendations for my car? Thanks!
Richard-
Thank you for asking about your Chrysler 300. Based on your description, we recommend using the BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak. You should expect to see results after about 100-200 miles of driving. Feel free to contact our technical support line at 888-863-0426 with any other questions.
Thank you!
-BDP
I have a 2000 CLK 320 Mercedes Benz just got my oil changed about a thousand kilometers ago now my car’s been sitting with a flat tire for about two weeks in the cold I just fixed the tire started it up moved it and noticed a big puddle of oil is it from sitting in the cold or what what should I do
Derek-
Thank you for asking about your Mercedes Benz CLK 320. Based on your description, we recommend using the BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak http://store.gobdp.com/oil-stop-leak-49499/. The BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak is a universal application, so it would treat leaking oil pan gaskets, valve cover seals, rear main seal, etc. You should expect to see results after about 100-200 miles of driving.
Thank you!
-BDP
My car has an oil leak started smoking then I filled it up again and got drained within a day will this help it wasn’t doing that before just started out of nowhere
Manuel-
Based on your description, unfortunately, you my be losing oil a little too quickly for the BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak to be affective. You may want to bring the vehicle in to a certified ASE mechanic for a proper diagnosis as to where the leak is coming from. A hard part repair may be your best option.
Thank you!
-BDP
I just had a oil change and my mmi oil indicator was full in the beggining and after 15 miles the mmi oil indicator said it was half way full ?
Ricky-
Based on your description, we recommend bringing the vehicle back to the shop where the oil was changed to ensure everything was put back and secured properly. It seems pretty strange to lose half of your oil capacity after 15 miles of driving. If everything is attached and clamped properly, we recommend using the BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak (http://store.gobdp.com/oil-stop-leak-49499/) to help stop the oil loss. You should expect to see results after about 100-200 miles of driving.
Thank you!
-BDP
I just had the oil drained and oil filter because I had a oil leak. What can I do I have a Peugeot 206 reg 53.
Leejay-
We recommend applying BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak (http://store.gobdp.com/oil-stop-leak-49499/) to stop your oil loss. Expect to start seeing results after approximately 100 miles of driving.
Thank you!
-BDP
I have a 1998 Mustang GT with a 4.6L engine. It has a heavy leak at the oil cooler gasket and also a leak at the rear main seal. Would you recommend the Blue Devil oil stop leak or the Blue Devil rear main seal stop leak?
George-
Thank you for asking about your Ford Mustang GT. The BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak is more concentrated and is the universal application that will work for oil pan leaks, rear main leaks, valve cover gasket leaks, etc. Whereas the Rear Main Sealer is specifically formulated for just the rear main seal. If you are not 100% sure where the vehicle is leaking or there seem to be multiple leaks then we recommend using BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak. You will not need to add both products at the same time.
Thank you!
-BDP
I had no leaka. Then had my oil changed. Afterward the van had huge pudd le of oil. And a line of oil wherewe were driving. We took the van back and was told o ring wasnt seated properly. And he fixed it. We drove it home and there is still a leak argo much smaller. Took it back again and was told the rear seal is leakig. Is this the fault of the oil change possibly? It is a 2014 town and country with 100k milea
L Belcher-
Thank you for asking about your Chrysler Town and Country. Based on your description, we recommend using the BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak (https://store.gobdp.com/oil-stop-leak-49499/). BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak is more concentrated and is the universal application that will work for various leaks such as oil pan leaks, rear main leaks, valve cover gasket leaks, etc. Whereas the Rear Main Sealer is specifically formulated for only a leaking rear main seal. If you are not 100% sure where the vehicle is leaking or there seem to be multiple leaks then we recommend using BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak. It would be difficult to say that changing the oil caused the leaks you were experiencing, unless the oil was overfilled.
Thank you!
-BDP
This work for RTV seals?
Jerry-
Unfortunately we do not manufacture any products that are designed to stop leaks coming from RTV seals. BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak is specifically designed to stop leaks coming from rubber seals/gaskets.
Thank you!
-BDP
I have a 2003 Hyundai Elantra 4dr. I went to an auto shop for a simple oil change. The mechanic ran some test and determined I had needed other small thing done to the car. I agreed to have the oil change and the other things done. I came to the auto shop and 7:30 am and I left a 9:15 am because I was told the oil change had been completed and they were going to start on the other small things and my car would be ready in a few hours. I called up there a few times and they kept telling me everything was fine with my car. Around 11:40pm I call (my car was supposed to be done)and the store manager gets on the phone and says my car has a major leak please come back up to view the car. The mechanic had already did oil change and he was in the middle of fixing my break. From my understanding they were just waiting for parts. I never had an oil leak before. How did he not see this leak after hours of work. At first they said my car had to be running for a long time to see it but then they said he only turned on and off quickly and notice the leak?? I overheard a worker ask the mechanic how much oil did he drain or put in the car. I know they should be responsible for this and should try to help me fix it. They are saying my car has been leaking and a seal burst?? And it will cost $800 or more and much labor and the auto shop is taking now ownership. They said my car was drivable but I drove it home and it starting smoking real bad and it cut off in the middle of the street at light. I had to get it toyed but it crank back up later that night. What should I do? What did this mechanic do to my car? Why did it take so long for him to see the oil leak? Can someone explain how this leak happened, when my car had never leaked before??
Dominique-
Thank you for asking about your Hyundai Elantra. The vehicle developing a leak after the oil was changed does not necessarily mean that the mechanic did anything incorrectly. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for the rubber seals to deteriorate over time and become brittle, thusly allowing leaks to form. As long as the leak is not more than a seep or a light drip, you would be a good candidate for the BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak. Typically, you should expect to see results after approximately 100-200 miles of driving.
Thank you!
-BDP
I have a 2012 ford edge I’ve had the valve cover gasket replaced but it’s still leaking oil somwhere when I drive. Apparently I leaks when it’s under pressure would blueDevil oil stop leak help
Clem-
Thank you for asking about your Ford Edge. Based on your description, we recommend using the BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak (https://gobdp.com/product/oil-stop-leak-49499/). If the leak is coming from the valve cover gasket that was just replaced, unfortunately, the product would not have any influence on a new rubber gasket. However, using the product would revitalize and recondition any other rubber/seals gaskets in the fluid oil system.
Thank you!
-BDP
My sister got oil change from Midas on her 1997 Chrysler Concorde 3.5 85,000 miles, a few days later and about 12 miles of driving oil started coming out about 3 quarts in an hour, not from the oil filter or drain plug, but seems to be coming from the front cover I assume a front seal. She was told to bring the car back, but if it wasn’t their fault she would have to pay for whatever is wrong. So she is not sure what to do now as it looks like she would be charged by them to repair the front seal. How can an oil change cause that much oil to come out ? Would blue devil oil stop leak work in this situation ?
Doug-
Thank you for asking about your Sister’s Chrysler Concorde. It’s possible, given the age of the vehicle, that the seal may have been deteriorated or starting to become brittle. Changing the oil may have removed sludge or engine buildup that was help keeping the seal intact, thusly allowing oil to escape with the sludge removed. If the system was overfilled, it would make it that much easier for the oil to puncture through one of the seals. Based on your description, unfortunately, it seems the vehicle is losing oil too quickly for the Oil Stop Leak to be successful. Replacing the seal may be your best option.
Thank you!
-BDP
How is it maybe not the mechanics fault? I go in no oil leaks on my car. Im very meticulous about my vehicle. So I inspect it and my driveway daily. No oil leaks then an oil change and boom they claim I have a leak and there’s an oil leak on my driveway now. I think they lied to cover their butt. Im willing to pay for the diagnoses and maybe the part but I’m making them fix it for me bc I know my vehicle better than they do…. it’s a 2006 saab 97x with a GM engine
I have a Mazda cx 7 2007 three oil changes ago they suggested I use synthetic oil which I did, then I took my car for an oil change to the same place ever since and found out that they are putting regular high mileage oil and now I have a leak, mechanics said it is leaking oil between the engine and the motor can I use this product?
Isa-
Yes, the BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak is safe and compatible to use on your Mazda CX-7. You should expect to start seeing results after approximately 100-200 miles of driving.
Thank you!
-BDP
I have a 2019 Nissan Armada with 19,800 miles. I recently had the oil changed to full synthetic and a week later found small oil leak from drain plug area, I don’t know if it is coming from plug or not. What are your suggestions? Thanks in advance.
Vincent-
Thank you for asking about your Nissan Armada. Based on your description, we recommend using the BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak. It is intended for small leaks would treat any of the rubber seals/gaskets in the fluid oil system.
Thank you!
-BDP