Can You Still Drive with a Transmission Oil Leak?
2 Answers
It depends on the situation. If there is significant leakage, it needs to be repaired promptly, but you don't need to stop driving immediately—just get it fixed as soon as possible. If the leakage is severe, you absolutely should not continue driving, as gear shifting relies on the hydraulic system. If transmission oil leaks, it can result in the inability to shift gears. Reasons for Transmission Oil Leak: Transmission oil leaks are relatively common and difficult to completely resolve. This may be related to the quality of oil seals, assembly processes, or high surface roughness of shafts. Once a leak occurs, it can form a pathway, making the leakage progressively worse. If the transmission is leaking in multiple places and the transmission case temperature is high, it is usually due to the vent plug on the transmission cover being blocked by dust and mud, reducing ventilation efficiency. Lubricating Oil Leakage: Lubricating oil leakage is one of the common faults in transmissions. After lubricating oil leaks, it can cause a shortage of gear lubricating oil, leading to early wear and damage to components such as gears and bearings, shortening the transmission's service life, and also polluting the environment. Therefore, exploring the mechanism of transmission lubricating oil leakage, analyzing its causes, and adopting effective technical measures to eliminate oil leakage faults are of great significance.
Last time my friend's car had a transmission oil leak but he kept driving it, and it ended up breaking down halfway. The towing fee plus repair cost him over 8,000 yuan. Transmission fluid is like our blood—if it all leaks out, the internal gears will grind dry, causing anything from rough shifting to complete failure. If you notice oil stains in your parking spot or a warning light on the dashboard, don’t push your luck by continuing to drive. Pull over immediately and check the dipstick. If the oil level is below the minimum mark, call a tow truck. During repairs, you’ll likely need to replace the oil seal gasket, or sometimes it’s due to a cracked oil pan from hitting the undercarriage. Remember to ask the mechanic to check if the transmission oil pan bolts are loose during regular maintenance.