Can I still drive if the car chassis is scratched and leaking oil?
2 Answers
No, you cannot drive. It is best to tow it to a repair shop for inspection. This prevents running out of oil and damaging the transmission. Additional information: 1. Oil leakage: As the name suggests, it refers to the leakage of engine oil. This is usually caused by damage to the engine cylinder gasket, oil pan gasket, sealing rings, or the front and rear crankshaft oil seals, camshaft oil seals, or loose fastening screws. If you stop and check, you may find oil seeping out. In severe cases, the oil level may drop noticeably, and a large amount of oil may accumulate on the engine guard. 2. Hazards of oil leakage: The amount of oil is closely related to the performance of the car. Too little oil can easily cause bearing seizure, cylinder scoring, and in severe cases, it may even lead to crankshaft breakage and engine block damage. Too much oil can affect the car's power and may also cause oil blow-by and burning, so the oil should be added according to the standard specifications for the vehicle model.
The car's chassis was scraped, causing an oil leak, and it absolutely must not be driven anymore. I've encountered a similar issue before while driving—when the chassis hit a rock, oil started dripping out. I tried to keep driving, thinking I'd hurry home, but within two kilometers, the engine started smoking and overheating, resulting in expensive repairs. Engine oil is the primary fluid that lubricates critical engine components. Once it leaks, oil pressure drops rapidly, leaving insufficient lubrication inside the engine. Friction increases, temperatures soar, and the engine can quickly seize or burn out. Even worse, if oil leaks onto hot exhaust pipes or electrical components, it can pose a fire hazard. For safety, if you notice an oil leak, pull over immediately and shut off the engine. Do not attempt to restart the car—otherwise, a minor scrape could turn into a major accident. Temporarily, you can inspect the leak's location and use emergency oil sealant if available, but it's best to call a tow truck and head straight to a repair shop. When driving, especially on rough roads, pay attention to ground clearance, slow down to avoid obstacles, and regularly check for oil stains afterward to minimize trouble. Remember, safe driving is far more important than rushing.
