Posted on 12/19/2025
A leaking valve cover gasket often starts as a small nuisance and quietly grows into a bigger problem. You might smell a bit of oil, see a light haze under the hood, or notice the oil level dropping faster than it used to. Because the car still drives, it is easy to put off, but leaking oil can damage ignition parts, rubber components, and even the catalytic converter if it goes on long enough. 1. Burning Oil Smell or Light Smoke From Under the Hood One of the earliest signs is often your nose. A valve cover gasket sits at the top of the engine, and when it starts to leak, oil can drip onto hot parts underneath. As that oil burns off, it creates a sharp, slightly sweet burned oil smell that you may notice when you stop at a light or park in the driveway. Sometimes you can also see a light wisp of smoke coming from the edges of the hood after a drive. It may be more obvious on cold days or after a longer trip when everything is fully warmed up. If the smell seems to ... read more