Have you ever smelled a small smoke stench in your car while driving your Audi, or woke up one morning only to find an oil patch in your compound? If so, it might be time to look into a common issue Audi owners face; valve cover oil leaks. While this issue might seem scary, it is actually quite common and can be diagnosed and resolved before becoming a bigger issue.

Learning how to identify a valve cover gasket oil leak in its early stage can go a long way in sparing you some dollars and saving your engine some dents. Let’s take a look at what valve cover oil leaks are, how you’ll know it is leaking, and where you can take it to get it tended to as soon as possible.

What Is a Valve Cover and Why Does It Leak?

The valve cover is one important component in your Audi engine that is located on top of the engine and shields the valve train which is a group of components that regulate the admission of air and fuel into the engine as well as the release of fumes. Valve cover is fastened on the engine and ensures a proper seal with the help of a gasket that prevents the oil from spilling out of the engine. It is used to keep all parts that require movement well-oiled so as to enjoy a smooth operation.

With time, the gasket of the valve cover begins to wear out. The gasket becomes brittle or cracked as a result of exposure to high temperatures as well as general wear, which results in leakage of oil through the valve cover.

How To Identify Oil Leak Problems in Your Audi’s Valve Cover

• Burning Oil Smell: A burning oil smell is the easiest sign that you can use to detect if your valve cover gasket is leaking oil. The engine’s hot parts, for example, the exhaust manifold could become a target for dripping oil whenever the gasket in the valve cover develops a leak. When the oil touches the hot parts and starts burning, it produces a certain smell. If you find that your Audi has a burnt oil smell while driving or soon after the car has been shut off, it is wise to check on the gasket of your Audi valve cover.
• Visible Oil Leaks or Stains: Another indication of an oil leak that you should look out for is the obvious dripping of oil around the valve cover. If you lift the hood of your Audi and notice that there are oil stains or wet spots around the top of the engine it means that the valve cover gasket is bad. At other times, you may also find oil leaks on the driveway or floor of your garage. It is always advisable to check out any signs of oil under any car that you may be using.
• Engine Misfire: When oil migrates to the area of spark plug wells as it drips from the valve cover, the engine is likely to ping or misfire. This is a big issue because leaking oil can block the ability of the spark plug to produce the spark needed for the combustion If your engine knocks or jerks when running then you might be having a situation where oil has found its way on the spark plugs.
• Low Engine Oil Levels: If your Audi engine oil level continues to decrease but you cannot detect any signs of leakage on the ground, there’s a high chance that you have a tiny leak from the valve cover area. The oil that seeps from the valve cover gasket can dry up the moment it forms a puddle on hot engine parts and may not be easily noticeable unless a thorough check is done.

Why You Should Seek Professional Help From Our Mechanics at Woodinville Sports Cars

If you are facing an oil leak problem in the valve cover of your Audi you should consider coming to our shop; Woodinville Sports Cars. Our trained technicians can identify and repair all kinds of Audi faults including valve cover leaks within the shortest time because they have adequate experience with these cars.

All our parts are of the highest quality to make sure that your Audi stays with you for many years. As the Audi specialist in the Woodinville, WA area, we ensure our clients get the best service on their automobiles even if they come from nearby cities like Bothell, Kenmore, Kirkland, Snohomish, Mill Creek, Monroe, and Redmond. Please come in and book your appointment now, and we will do the rest for you.