Can You Still Drive with an Engine Oil Leak?
2 Answers
You should not continue driving if there is an engine oil leak. An oil leak means the engine lubrication system has failed, and continuing to drive under such conditions can cause further damage to the engine. Oil leaks are usually caused by damage to components such as the engine cylinder head gasket, front and rear crankshaft oil seals, or camshaft oil seals. Here are the steps to address an engine oil leak: 1. Identify the leak location and clean the oil traces around it. 2. Start the engine and inspect the exact source of the oil leak. 3. If the oil pan gasket is aged, remove the oil pan, replace the gasket, and reseal it with adhesive. 4. Replace the drain plug washer if it has not been changed for a long time. The washer provides a sealing function and should be replaced regularly according to the maintenance schedule. 5. If any attached components are damaged, replace them with new ones. 6. If the oil pan drain plug is loose or damaged, tighten or replace it.
As an experienced driver, I've encountered similar issues before. Engine oil leakage is no small matter. That time, the oil pan gasket on my car had aged and was leaking oil. I still drove 20 kilometers home, only to have the engine overheat and trigger an alarm. The repair cost me 3,000 yuan. Continuing to drive with an oil leak is extremely risky. Without sufficient oil, engine components can suffer from inadequate lubrication and seize up; oil leaking onto the exhaust system could cause a fire; and it can also pollute the road surface, potentially leading to fines. The most dangerous scenario is sudden engine stall on the highway, which can be life-threatening. I recommend pulling over immediately to check the source of the leak. If it's a minor leak, you might move slowly to a repair shop over a short distance, but don't take unnecessary risks. Regular maintenance, including replacing seals, can save you from such troubles.
