···
Log in / Register

Can Oil Leakage Cause Spontaneous Combustion?

4 Answers
Adelyn
07/29/25 6:06pm

Oil leakage will not cause spontaneous combustion. Engine oil has a high ignition point, and even if it smokes under high temperatures, it will not catch fire. However, leaked oil can accumulate dirt, causing the engine to gather impurities, which need to be cleaned promptly. Engine oil is a substance enhanced with additives in base oil, mainly containing anti-wear additives, detergents, dispersants, and multi-grade oil viscosity index improvers. The causes of oil leakage are: 1. aging or damage to the oil pan gasket; 2. aging or damage to the gear cover; 3. loosening or damage to the drain plug. The solutions for oil leakage are: 1. replace the damaged sealing ring; 2. identify the leakage point and clean the oil traces at the leakage site; 3. tighten loose bolts and replace damaged accessories.

Was this review help?
5
2
Share
McMackenzie
08/14/25 10:18am

Having driven for over 20 years, I can confirm that oil leaks can indeed lead to spontaneous combustion, which is no trivial matter. While engine oil itself isn't easily flammable, if it leaks into the engine bay and comes into contact with high-temperature components like the exhaust pipe or turbocharger—which can reach temperatures upwards of a thousand degrees—it can instantly ignite flames. Just last week in my neighborhood, I saw a car suddenly start smoking due to an oil leak; thankfully, the owner stopped immediately, averting a major disaster. It's crucial to develop the habit of regularly checking the oil pan or seals and looking for oil stains on the ground. Don't underestimate this issue—once a fire starts, the entire vehicle could be destroyed. Get it fixed promptly; don't procrastinate. Safety comes first.

Was this review help?
9
3
Share
Expand All
StephenLee
10/14/25 4:06am

As a mechanic, I'm telling you that oil leaks can pose a fire risk, but it depends on the situation. A small leak might be harmless, but if large amounts of oil accumulate near the engine and come into contact with electrical sparks or ignition system failures, it can easily trigger a fire. During routine maintenance, check if oil lines and gaskets are aging; for instance, when the engine is hot, the higher oil temperature makes ignition more likely. I remember working on a car last time where oil leaked onto the exhaust manifold, causing a fire in the engine bay. It's advisable to immediately clean the leaking area and replace the seals to prevent oil buildup. Regular maintenance is best to avoid greater losses.

Was this review help?
20
4
Share
Expand All
SanRachel
11/27/25 5:02am

I'm a new driver and have learned a bit about cars. Engine oil leakage can cause spontaneous combustion. Engine oil is a lubricant, but when it leaks and comes into contact with hot areas of the engine like the exhaust pipe, the high temperature can easily cause it to catch fire. Imagine if you smell oil or see smoke from the engine while driving, you should pull over and check immediately. Don't skimp on repair costs—replacing a set of oil seals only costs a few hundred bucks, but a fire could destroy the entire car. Also, if you see a low oil pressure warning on the dashboard, don't ignore it. Addressing issues promptly can save you from major trouble.

Was this review help?
4
0
Share
Expand All
More Forum Discussions

What to Do When Car Wheels Get Scratched?

Here are solutions for scratched car wheels: 1. Use paint thinner to wipe around the scratch and remove dirt. For deeply scratched areas that are hard to clean, use a toothpick to thoroughly clean them. 2. Apply masking tape around the scratch, trim the brush tip, and apply touch-up paint. After the paint dries and slightly shrinks, it's best to apply it slightly raised. 3. Wait for complete drying, about a week, then use waterproof paper dipped in soapy water to smooth the surface. Use a compound to polish for shine, then apply wax. When the wheel hub is hot, let it cool naturally before cleaning. Never use cold water to clean, as it can damage the aluminum alloy wheel hub.
4
4
Share

What are the models of Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles?

Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles include the V-Class, Vito, and Viano. Among them, the Mercedes-Benz V-Class is a luxury mid-to-large-sized MPV with a wheelbase of 3200 mm and overall dimensions of 5140 mm in length, 1928 mm in width, and 1800 mm in height. The V-Class is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, delivering 211 horsepower and a maximum torque of 350 Nm. This engine reaches its maximum power at 5500 rpm and its maximum torque between 1250 and 4000 rpm. It features direct fuel injection technology and uses an aluminum alloy cylinder head and block.
19
4
Share

How many seats does the GAC Honda Haoying have?

Honda Haoying is a 5-seater SUV, positioned as a compact SUV. More details about the Honda Haoying are as follows: 1. The GAC Honda Haoying can be considered a sister model to the Dongfeng Honda CR-V, both positioned as compact SUVs and built on the same platform. 2. In terms of body dimensions, the new car measures 4634×1855×1679mm in length, width, and height, with a wheelbase of 2661mm. 3. The powertrain features a 1.5L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine with a maximum power output of 142kW and a peak torque of 243Nm (2000-5000rpm).
12
0
Share

Is the Mercedes-Benz entry-level model the A-Class or C-Class?

Mercedes-Benz's entry-level model is the A-Class, while the C-Class is a mid-size luxury sedan under the Mercedes-Benz brand. The C-Class has relatively good sales in China and has also been locally produced. The domestic version of the C-Class is equipped with three engines: a low-power 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, a high-power 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. The new generation Mercedes-Benz A-Class has become more stylish. The current A-Class is more robust and confident, retaining its original body style but with a raised waistline, enlarged window area, and very prominent and smooth side lines. The wheel arches are also more pronounced, complemented by a series of emphasized horizontal lines, making it even more eye-catching on the road.
17
5
Share

Where is the Sail air conditioning filter located?

The air conditioning filter in the Sail is located under the glove compartment on the passenger side. Here is a brief introduction to the air conditioning filter: The air conditioning filter, also known as the cabin air filter, is used to filter the air inside the vehicle cabin. Among the four filters in a car, it is the one that directly benefits the occupants. A typical gasoline-powered passenger car generally has four filters. Here is an introduction to these four filters: (1) For the engine, there is an oil filter for filtering engine oil; an air filter for filtering combustion air; and a fuel filter for filtering gasoline. (2) For filtering the air inside the vehicle cabin, there is only the air conditioning filter.
19
4
Share

What is the difference between engine oil and transmission fluid?

Theoretically, engine oil and transmission fluid serve similar functions, primarily including lubrication, cleaning, rust prevention, and heat dissipation. The differences between engine oil and transmission fluid are: 1. Viscosity and temperature tolerance: Engine oil is used for the normal operation of the engine, with the highest temperature tolerance and the lowest viscosity, while transmission fluid is used for the transmission, with lower temperature tolerance and higher viscosity than engine oil. 2. Different functions: The main role of transmission fluid is to keep the car's gear system clean, providing lubrication and cooling for the gear system; engine oil is mainly used to lubricate the engine system, providing lubrication, cooling, sealing, rust and corrosion prevention, as well as shock absorption and buffering for the engine system.
13
2
Share
Cookie
Cookie Settings
© 2025 Servanan International Pte. Ltd.