How Serious Is the Chassis Oil Leak Problem?
2 Answers
The following are the reasons for chassis oil leaks: 1. Aging of Seals: Most chassis oil leaks are caused by engine oil leaks, which are primarily due to aging or damage of seals. Over time and continuous thermal cycling, seals gradually harden and lose elasticity (professionally termed as plasticizer loss), and in severe cases, they may even fracture, leading to oil leaks. 2. Valve Cover Gasket Seepage: Common aging seals in the engine can be categorized by their location—top, middle, and bottom. One important seal at the top of the engine is the valve cover gasket. This is perhaps the most common issue; as the name suggests, it is usually installed on the valve cover. Due to its large sealing area, it is prone to aging over time, resulting in oil seepage. Many owners of older vehicles have encountered this issue, necessitating the replacement of the sealing gasket.
As a seasoned driver with over a decade of experience, I firmly believe that oil leaks from the chassis are a major issue that must be taken seriously. The chassis encompasses multiple components such as the engine, transmission, and braking system, and leaks can originate from engine oil, brake fluid, or power steering fluid. Among these, brake fluid leaks are the most severe, as they can lead to brake failure, posing a high risk of accidents when driving at high speeds. Engine oil leaks are no trivial matter either, potentially causing engine wear or even fire hazards. Once, I noticed oil stains under the chassis but thought nothing of it. A few days later, while driving on the highway, I nearly got into an accident. Fortunately, I stopped in time to inspect and discovered that the brake fluid line had aged and ruptured. I immediately went to a repair shop to replace the seals and the fluid line, which only cost 300 yuan but saved my life. During regular maintenance, always ensure the mechanic thoroughly checks the chassis seals. Don’t wait until all the fluid has leaked out to regret it—safety should always come first.
