Is an Oil leak a mechanical problem?

Just brought my car into ford due a oil leakage. I have been told that the warranty that I purchased does not cover this. Are ford right?


Is an Oil leak a mechanical problem?
Warranty? As another fellow pointed out, it depends upon the warranty.


Is it a new car? If it's a used car, without seeing the warranty, I'm making a guess...but probably not.


On used cars, try not to buy warranties. Warranties are generally ';extra dealer mark-up.'; My view is cynical unfortunately. They'll be happy to ensure all unlikely events. (ray guns from Mars, frame collapse, windows melting in the full sun)


Now the oil leak:


Generally in used cars, most cars leak oil. Ever look down the center of a highway? It's a combination and dirt and oil that makes it darker. I have a family where a lot of kids are driving. I buy used cars. They all leak oil. Gaskets dry out, plug holes get stripped (fix that one..they use ovesize plugs). No oil leak is a problem unless you lose more than a quart every 3000 miles. Even then...it might not be a problem if you can remember to put a quart in. Most cars even burn a little oil. NOW..when you see your garage floor, it looks like a massive leak. In reality, it may only be a few drops. The oil really spreads out.


I'm speaking now for a used car. I've got spots in my driveway, my garage, everywhere. You'd swear that I could drill for oil where I live. None of he cars in my ';fleet'; leaks more than a quart for every 6000 miles.


Good luck! Write back and tell us how old the car is, how many miles, and how much you think it's leaking volume wise. I think you might be fine.Is an Oil leak a mechanical problem?
That normally depends on what warranty or aftermarket warranty you have. It will also depend on what type of leak is occurring. Some warranties may not cover Oil pan or transmission pan gasket failures. Sorry, I didn't actually answer your question. No, an oil leak is not a mechanicle problem. Oil leaks are a failure of the gasket or seal.
An oil leak isn't necessarily a bad thing, and neither is a coolant leak. You are continually adding fresh new fluid to the reservoir so in theory the car is continually getting fresh liquids.


That said, gaskets do fail, but unless its catastrophic i wouldn't bother with a Ford garage. Try a network garage, like AA Halfords or National Tyres. I had an oil leak and coolant leak for 3 years on a Rover and never bothered fixing it.