Can You Continue Driving with Oil Leakage?

[DiBrandon]

You cannot continue driving with oil leakage. The functions of engine oil are: 1. Reducing friction and high temperature: A sufficiently thick oil film separates the surfaces of relatively sliding parts, thereby minimizing wear; 2. Sealing effect: Engine oil forms a seal between the piston rings and pistons, reducing gas leakage and preventing external contaminants from entering; 3. Anti-rust effect: Lubricating oil adheres to the surface of parts, preventing contact with water, air, acidic substances, and harmful gases; 4. Cushioning effect: When the pressure in the engine cylinder rises sharply, suddenly increasing the load on the pistons, piston rings, connecting rods, and crankshaft bearings, this load is transmitted and lubricated through the bearings, cushioning the impact load; 5. Cleaning effect: High-quality engine oil can carry carbon deposits, sludge, and worn metal particles from engine parts back to the oil tank through circulation, washing away dirt generated on the working surfaces of parts via the flow of lubricating oil.

[GriffinAnn]

This car is leaking oil. I've seen plenty in my over 20 years of driving. If it's a minor leak, short-distance driving might be fine, but the key is to see how fast it's leaking. You need to make it a habit to check the dipstick daily to ensure the oil level is within the normal range. After parking, check the ground for oil drops. If there are any, place a white sheet of paper underneath and observe the size of the oil stain after some time. I've been through this—when the leak got bad and wasn't addressed in time, the engine lacked lubrication and ended up with cylinder scoring. The major repair cost me several thousand. So if you notice a leak, take it seriously and get it fixed. Don't wait until the oil runs out and the engine starts smoking to regret it.

[GideonDella]

Our auto repair shop has seen quite a few owners with oil seepage issues, and the approach varies by situation. If it's just a minor seepage from an aging oil pan gasket with no noticeable oil consumption, city commuting might be manageable for a few days. However, we strongly recommend scheduling a repair immediately, as leaks tend to worsen over time. Should the oil warning light come on or you notice palm-sized oil stains on the ground, you must stop the car and call for roadside assistance. Professional advice is to pop the hood first to locate the source—common spots include the oil pan, valve cover, and crankshaft oil seal. Always keep a bottle of the same oil type on hand for emergencies, topping up immediately if levels are low. Never push through long-distance drives; running the engine dry for even half an hour could lead to catastrophic failure.

[Anna]

Just encountered this last week - my own car's valve cover was leaking oil. The mechanic said as long as it's not dripping in streams, adding half a liter of oil every 500 km could last until the next maintenance cycle. But he emphasized three critical points: first, the dipstick must be checked every two days to maintain mid-level oil; second, park away from children's play areas as engine oil is toxic; third, if the dripping accelerates, stop driving immediately. Once forgot to check before a highway trip, and the engine sounded off afterwards. Honestly, repairs are quite convenient now - replacing a gasket only costs a few hundred, far cheaper than an engine overhaul.