Many people love the Renault Clio model, despite the competitive price. It is attractive, but also offers an ideal combination of equipment and practicality. Unfortunately, Renault Clio cars are not immune to problems – therefore, some people have reported Renault Clio oil leak problems.

Oil leak issues with your Renault Clio may be caused by various things. Usually, leaks start to appear as a result of problems with the oil filler, oil filler cap, sump gasket, oil drain plug, oil sump damage, and others. It can be very frustrating, and the worst thing about it – apart from the mess – is how unsafe you feel in your car, not knowing where the leak is coming from.

So, how can you diagnose a Renault Clio oil leak and how can you fix it? Read this post to make sure you find the cause and eliminate the problem.

What Are the Signs of a Renault Clio Oil Leak?

How do you know that you have Renault Clio oil leak problems? It may take a while for you to discover this issue, but if you pay attention to some things, it will be easier to spot the problem.

Here are some signs that you are dealing with an oil leak:

• You notice a blue-hued smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe.
• There is a puddle of oil below the engine. The color of the liquid can tell you what it actually is. If the liquid is red, then it is the transmission fluid. If it’s orange or green, while having a sweet smell, the chances are that it’s the coolant. But if it’s brown, then it is engine oil for sure. Also, it will be easier to see this if you left your car to sit overnight.
• You’ve been driving for some time, then you sniff around the engine and can smell burning oil.
• You remove the dipstick to check your oil levels, and you see that the level of oil goes down very fast.

Top 5 Reasons for Renault Clio Oil Leak Problems and How to Fix Them

An oil leak is one of the most common causes of various vehicle problems, and the last thing you want after getting your new Renault Clio is to let it get damaged by an oil leak. What makes things so frustrating is the fact that leaking oil can lead to the fast deterioration of the engine, and after a while, it may stop working for good.

On top of that, oil leaks can be risky for you as a driver. Leaks of engine oil may lead to you losing control of your car while you’re on the road, and this may result in a crash.

So, finding your Renault Clio oil leaks, knowing what causes them, and knowing how to fix them is critical. Here are some of the most common reasons for oil leaks in these vehicles and some solutions for them:

Adding Too Much Oil

Sometimes, there may simply be too much oil in the engine that you added by mistake. Fortunately, this is one of the least frustrating problems, as there is little to no damage to the engine, especially if you find the issue early on. You simply poured too much of the liquid into Clio’s engine. It resulted in an overflow, which is why you may see some oil below the engine.

One sign of too much engine oil apart from oil puddles under the vehicle is the engine oil light not flashing.

Solution: If there is excessive oil in the engine, you may use a suction pump to get rid of some of it. Too much oil may cause the crankshaft pressure to rise, and you do not want that. So, with the suction pump, you will remove the extra oil and prevent damage. A dipstick tube can also extract the oil. Then, you can use a rag to clean up the spilled oil.

Worn-Out Oil Filter

A common issue that leads to oil leaks is a worn-out oil filter. Oil filters work to filter the oil’s contaminants out before they can cause any damage to the vehicle’s engine. Over time, oil filters wear out – therefore, all the parts that make the filtration system can result in a leak. Oil filters are effective for a while, but if they are overused, they will start getting damaged. Oil starts leaking when the filter is worn out or stops working altogether. What’s worse is that sometimes, oil filters may also become loose or displaced due to pressure from inside the engine.

Solution: Whenever you change your oil, you should also replace your oil filter. This is why it’s best to take the car for regular services. When they replace your oil, they tend to replace the filter as well. Also, if your oil filter is worn out or stops working for good, you should change it as soon as possible.

Worn-Out, Loose, or Misaligned Oil Drain Plug

Another thing that could cause oil leaks is an oil drain plug that is either loose, worn out, or misaligned. Your vehicle’s engine has a plug at the base of the sump. It should be easy to see, as it doesn’t look too different from the plug from your bathtub. When it is worn out, loose, or not aligned properly, it will result in a leak.

Solution: You can access the plug only from the underside of the car. Therefore, be ready to get under your Renault Clio and look at the plug. If there is any oil around it that starts dripping down, repair it or get a professional to do it.

Oil Filler Cap Issue

Sometimes, the oil leak doesn’t drip only from the affected area. You may simply have a dislodged filler cap on the top of the oil tank. This is where you pour the oil.

So, if the oil filler cap is dislodged or, even worse, not there, the oil will start spilling out and causing a mess in your vehicle.

Solution: Check the oil filler cap to see whether it is out of place or missing. Make sure it is well fitted and can keep the oil inside. If you cannot find the cap, then the best thing to do would be to get a new one.

Sump Gasket Problems

The sump gasket is also often the culprit when there is an engine oil leak. The gasket joins the sump and engine block and it is a seal. It is a very important component of the engine because it can help transfer fluids like coolant, gas, and oil. But as time goes by, gaskets tend to degrade.

When they become weaker, the chance of an oil leak increases as well. Of course, it’s not something that happens as soon as you get your Renault Clio. It only occurs after about 100,000 miles.

Solution: When you have a broken gasket, you must fix it. However, it’s not possible to make complex fixes yourself. Therefore you should reach out to a mechanic to help replace the faulty gasket. The professional will know what to do.

Conclusion

Oil leaks can be pretty frustrating, especially if you keep finding oil puddles near your Renault Clio’s engine. Leaks not only make a mess in your car, but they can also be dangerous and cause damage to the engine. Fixing them as soon as possible is recommended. Make sure to use our guide to detect engine problems in your Renault Clio, such as oil leaks, and apply the right fix.

FAQ

Are oil leaks worth fixing?

Engines can quickly become damaged when there is not enough oil in the engine due to a leak. Therefore, if you do not want to deal with even more reparation costs, your oil leaks should be fixed. It’s best to handle the costs of fixing the leak than paying for extra engine damage.

Can I still drive my Renault Clio if there is an oil leak?

You should not drive if the vehicle has an oil leak, as it can be dangerous and cause more damage to your car’s engine. However, if you need to drive for a very short distance, such as less than 10 miles, it may not be that risky as long as the oil levels don’t drop too much.

How much will it cost to fix an oil leak?

The costs of fixing oil leaks will depend on the reason behind the leak. Most of the time, you will have to pay between $150 to $1,200 to fix the leak.

What are the most common causes of oil leaks?

The most common causes of oil leaks are worn-out seals, loose/missing oil pan drain plugs, worn-out engine gaskets, and damaged valve cover gaskets.