How important to fix oil leaks?

[wifiabc]

I have a 15 year old Windom with a slight leak from the front and rear valve cover gaskets. I don't seen any oil on the ground and the dip stick level don't seem to drop much over the past 3 weeks.

Do such oil leaks have a tendency to get very bad suddenly spraying oil all over or do they get worse gradually? I'm a little tight finance-wise and am thinking of delaying until I see oil on the ground or oil level drops at a higher rate. I heard that using thicker oil would slow down oil leaks, so I'm using Mobil Super Semi-synthetic 15W40.

[Janster]

Basic info here....

DO NOT use thicker oil just to prevent the oil leaks!!!!!

Continue to use the recommended oil weight (for your vehicle) and continue to check the dipstick on a regular basis to make sure you're not loosing too much oil. Top off the oil if necessary.

You'll also want to continue to check oil for changes in coloration/consistancy and take notice to any unusual exhaust color...

I owned a Toyota truck for 4 years where I had oil seepage around the oil pan - no drips in the driveway and no smoke out the tailpipe. I lost about 1/2 qt every 4,000 miles. ????? Not exactly sure why.... but I kept topping it off for those 4 years and it was fine.

[toyomoho]

If a valve cover gasket, normally this is just annoyance. You will see oil on the engine and maybe under the car but this is usually as far it it goes.

[Dave's]

I tend to agree with the above. One thing though, don't let the oil accumulate dirt and grime over a large portion of your engine, it can affect cooling. So when checking your oil and you see lots of dirt, clean it off.

[BLUEMEANIE]

Agreed with all of the above.

Just check it from time to time and keep it topped off.
Valve cover gaskets are easy to do on your own btw.

[wifiabc]

Thanks !!