Can You Still Drive with an Engine Oil Leak?

[MaverickAnn]

You should not drive a car with an engine oil leak. Below are the hazards of an oil leak: Wasting oil and causing internal engine damage: An engine oil leak not only wastes oil but may also cause internal engine damage. Additionally, since the engine operates at extremely high temperatures, oil leaking onto the engine or other high-temperature components can easily lead to spontaneous combustion. Risk of fire: Engine oil has a flash point exceeding 200°C. When it comes into contact with a turbocharger, which can reach several hundred degrees Celsius during operation, the flash point decreases, further increasing the risk of fire. Severe damage to components: An oil leak occurs when certain engine components are damaged, deformed, or improperly assembled, causing oil to drip rapidly. If this happens, immediate repair is necessary. On the other hand, minor oil seepage is less concerning because oil has strong permeation properties, and slight seepage due to high internal cylinder pressure is normal. Small-scale seepage can generally be ignored, but extensive seepage should be taken seriously, as it falls into the category of an oil leak and requires prompt inspection and repair.