Can You Drive Long Distance with Engine Oil Leakage?
3 Answers
Engine oil leakage is not suitable for long-distance driving. Causes of Oil Leakage: It is generally caused by damage to engine cylinder gaskets, oil pan gaskets, sealing rings, or damage to the front and rear crankshaft oil seals, camshaft oil seals, or loosening of fastening screws. Parking inspection may reveal oil seepage, with severe cases showing noticeable reduction in engine oil, and the engine guard plate accumulating a large amount of oil. Oil leakage is a relatively frequent issue during vehicle use. Once leakage occurs, excessive loss of lubricating oil will not only waste excessive fuel but also lead to significant power loss. In severe cases, it can cause poor engine lubrication, insufficient cooling, premature damage, or potential safety hazards. Solutions: When a vehicle has an oil leak, it may not always be possible to immediately go for maintenance and inspection. In most cases, the vehicle is still in operation. Continuing to drive under such conditions poses significant safety hazards and can reduce the vehicle's lifespan and durability. Once an oil leak is detected, immediate inspection is necessary, and regular inspection and maintenance should also be prioritized.
I've been driving for decades and encountered quite a few cases of engine oil leakage. Long-distance trips really require caution. Oil seepage may not seem serious at first—just a few drops from a slightly aged oil pan or gasket—but high-speed highway driving accelerates wear. The oil level can drop rapidly, and if it gets too low on the road, engine overheating and seizure could spell disaster. Last time, my neighbor ignored a minor oil leak, and his car broke down after a 500-kilometer highway drive, costing thousands in towing and repairs. My advice: First, inspect the leak—tighten bolts or replace seals. If the leak is near the exhaust pipe, it's even riskier, as high temperatures could cause a fire. Minor leaks might be tolerable for short drives, but never take the risk on long trips. Safety first.
As someone who frequently tinkers with cars, I believe that engine oil seepage poses a high risk during long-distance driving. Common causes of oil seepage include aging crankshaft rear oil seals or valve cover gaskets. While minor leaks may seem harmless, prolonged high-temperature and high-pressure operation during long trips can cause seepage points to expand into active leaks. Engine oil is the lifeblood of an engine - insufficient lubrication can lead to cylinder wear or even bearing seizure, significantly increasing repair costs. Checking oil levels during long trips is difficult; I recommend measuring with the dipstick after parking, shutting off, and allowing the engine to cool, maintaining oil level above midpoint. It's best to complete repairs before traveling: clean oil stains, inspect seals for replacement, otherwise the hidden danger is too great. Long-distance driving tests a vehicle's limits, and cars with oil seepage aren't suitable.
