As an Audi owner, you understand the importance of routine maintenance and upkeep for the longevity, performance, and safety of your vehicle. If your automobile is indicating signs of engine failure, you might be concerned that a valve cover oil leak could be the cause of your problems. Regardless of the Audi model you own, determining the cause of engine failure can keep your car running at the advanced level you have come to expect.
Oil is essential to keeping your Audi’s powerful engine running smoothly. It reduces friction in the engine’s elaborate components and cleans its delicate parts as you ride, ensuring that you always enjoy a superior driving experience.
Common Causes of Oil Leaks
There are a few causes of valve cover oil leaks, including loose bolts or a cracked valve cover. Commonly, it’s the valve cover gasket which can become worn. The gasket sits between the valve cover and the engine and is responsible for preventing leaks as the oil lubricates the intricate moving components of the engine. Over time, however, extremes in temperature or humidity in the air can cause the gasket to become cracked, corroded, or worn. This is when oil can begin to leak from the valve cover.
As the oil continues to leak, the problem can unfortunately worsen, further damaging the valve cover, gasket, or bolts. Oil leaking from the valve cover can leak to other parts of the engine. Oil is acidic, and it can eat through exterior elements of the engine, including the spark plug gaskets. Once these are worn through, this can cause even bigger problems for your Audi.
It’s for the above reasons why it’s essential to fix your valve cover oil leak as soon as possible, so you can keep your car always running at industry standards. It can take an expert to diagnose the cause of your valve cover oil leak, but there are plenty of telltale signs that can indicate a valve cover leak.
Signs of a Valve Cover Oil Leak in your Audi
Oil smell while the engine is running
Keep in mind that a valve cover can only leak while the engine is running. As it does, the oil may contact a hot exhaust manifold on the exterior of your engine and begin to burn, causing a burning oil smell in your car.
If the oil leaks into the exhaust manifold, it can become dangerous. It’s important to nip the problem in the bud. An expert who understands the sophisticated Audi design can help to quickly diagnose and solve the problem.
Dirty Valve Cover
If you notice debris or dirt around the outside of your Audi’s valve cover, that’s a telltale sign that your valve cover is leaking. In an Audi, the valve cover is located under the hood at the top of the cylinder. Depending on how advanced the leak is, you may also notice a puddle of brown, black, or amber liquid underneath the car.
Check Engine Light On
Your Audi is designed with the most advanced and innovative automotive technology, so you can be sure that your car will indicate if there is a problem. If your check engine light is on at any point during driving, it’s a good idea to take your car to a mechanic who knows how to service your luxury vehicle.
Low Oil Level
For most Audi’s, oil should need to be refilled every 3,000 miles or approximately every three months. It’s essential to consult the Audi owner’s manual offered by your manufacturer about how to check your oil level and how often you should refill oil. If you notice your car is burning more oil than usual, this could be a sign that your car is leaking oil. If your dipstick is reading low very frequently, this could be a sign of a serious leak.
Engine Misfiring
Audis were made to run smoothly on the road, so if your car starts misfiring or running loudly, shakily, or roughly, that’s a good indication that something might be wrong. A mechanic committed to maintaining the excellence of your car can diagnose the problem and help solve it.
Encore Motorcars for Your Audi’s Engine
It’s advisable to not drive if you have a major oil leak, as it can become a fire hazard. Taking care of smaller leaks can extend the life of 
your Audi, keeping it running at the superior standard Audis are known for.
The German automotive experts at Encore Motorcars have been repairing valve cover oil leaks on superior car brands like the Audi for years. Our award-winning mechanics can help you determine the cause of any problem with your Audi and provide the highest quality service to keep your car running smoothly.
Our expertise and customer service are what keep Audi owners coming back to Encore Motorcars for years, whether they live in Sarasota, Bradenton, Ellenton, Nokomis, Osprey, Parrish, Venice, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat Key, Siesta Key, or University Park. Encore Motorcars is the best place to service your Audi valve cover oil leak and maintain its high-caliber standards. We look forward to earning your business.