I noticed an oil spot under my car where I park. It is dark brown and about the size of a dinner plate. How serious is this?
An oil leak the size of a dinner plate is a moderate leak that needs attention within 1 to 2 weeks. Check your oil level immediately using the dipstick — if it is low, add oil to bring it to the full mark. Driving with low oil can destroy the engine. The location of the leak narrows down the cause. A leak near the front of the engine is usually the valve cover gasket (100 to 300 dollars to fix), oil pan gasket (200 to 500 dollars), or front crankshaft seal. A leak near the center-rear is often the oil pan drain plug (free fix — just tighten it) or the oil filter (check that it is tight after the last oil change). You can sometimes identify the source by cleaning the underside of the engine with degreaser, driving for a day, and then checking where fresh oil appears. Add a piece of cardboard under the car overnight to track the exact drip location. Monitor your oil level weekly and keep a quart of oil in the trunk until you get it repaired.
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