Proficient Auto — Car Care with a Conscience
Engine Service

Mobile Oil Leak Diagnosis & Repair

Spots on the driveway or a burning-oil smell after a drive? We find the actual source of the leak — not a guess — and repair valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets, cam/crank seals, and oil cooler lines on-site across the Raleigh Triangle.

Get an oil leak quote919-675-AUTO
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Diagnosing oil leaks the right way

Oil migrates. A leak that drips off the back of the engine often started two feet higher. We clean the engine, run a UV dye test when needed, and trace the path back to the actual source before quoting a repair. Plenty of 'rear main seal' calls turn out to be a valve cover or oil pan gasket — a much cheaper fix.

Common sources we repair on-site: valve cover gaskets (most common), oil pan gaskets, camshaft and crankshaft seals, timing-cover gaskets, VVT solenoid o-rings, oil filter housing gaskets (a huge issue on BMW N20/N55 and Audi/VW 2.0T), oil cooler lines, and turbocharger oil return lines.

When a leak actually needs to be fixed

Not every weep is an emergency. A small valve cover seep on an older car may not be worth fixing right now. But oil dripping onto the exhaust, oil contaminating the alternator or starter, or a leak that drops the level a quart between changes — those we recommend fixing now. We'll give you a straight answer either way.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to fix an oil leak in Raleigh?
Oil leak pricing depends entirely on the source — a valve cover gasket is a very different job from a rear main seal. We diagnose the actual source first so you're not paying for the wrong repair, then give you a firm written quote before any work starts.
Can a small oil leak wait?
A slow seep that doesn't drop the oil level between changes can usually wait. A leak that contaminates the alternator, drips on the exhaust (fire risk), or makes you add a quart between changes should be fixed promptly. We'll tell you which bucket yours falls into.
Do you do oil leak diagnostics at my driveway?
Yes. We bring a UV dye kit, inspection mirrors, and a borescope when needed. Most diagnostics take 45–60 minutes and you'll get a clear written summary of what we found and what it'll cost to fix.
Why does my car smell like burning oil but I don't see drips?
That usually means oil is dripping onto the exhaust manifold or catalytic converter and burning off before it hits the ground. Most common causes: a leaking valve cover gasket on the exhaust side, a turbo oil return line, or a porous oil filter housing. We can pinpoint it in one visit.

Ready to skip the shop?

Get a free, no-pressure quote — usually within the hour. We come to your home, office, or wherever the car is sitting.

Get an oil leak quote 919-675-AUTO