How to Deal with Oil Leakage in a Car?
4 Answers
Here are the methods to handle car oil leakage: 1. Pay attention to the role of gaskets. The gaskets between static parts of the car play a role in leak-proof sealing. 2. Replace failed oil seals in time. Many parts on the car (such as oil seals, O-rings) may leak oil due to improper installation, misalignment between the shaft neck and the oil seal edge, or deflection. 3. Avoid blockage of the one-way valve and vent valve. This can cause the temperature inside the housing to rise, filling the entire space with oil vapor that cannot be discharged, increasing the internal pressure, increasing lubricant consumption, and shortening the replacement cycle. 4. Properly solve the sealing of various oil pipe joints. The connecting pipe nuts on the car are frequently disassembled and assembled, which can easily cause thread slippage and breakage, leading to oil seepage. Replace the connecting pipe nuts and use the grinding method to solve the conical surface sealing, so that the nuts are tightened to solve the sealing problem.
Recently, my old Passat also started leaking oil, which is really worrying. I crouched down to observe the location of the oil stain and found dark brown liquid seeping from underneath the engine, most likely engine oil. I immediately turned off the engine and checked the dipstick—sure enough, the oil level had dropped. This situation definitely means I can't continue driving, otherwise, engine seizure could become a serious problem. I remember the mechanic mentioned last time that oil leaks are usually caused by a damaged oil pan, aging gaskets, or loose screws. I directly contacted my trusted repair shop to arrange a tow truck and reminded them to bring a new gasket. I recommend everyone to regularly check for oil stains on the ground after parking and pay special attention to the oil seals on the chassis during maintenance to prevent issues before they arise.
After ten years in auto repair, I've seen countless oil leakage cases. The core principle is 'check the color, locate the position, and determine the solution': black-brown oil often appears at the bottom of the engine, reddish transmission oil is usually found in the middle section of the vehicle, and transparent yellow power steering fluid is typically near the front wheels. Upon discovering a leak, immediately turn off the engine and use your phone to photograph the leak point and fluid color. For minor seepage, you can temporarily top up with the same type of fluid and drive slowly to the repair shop. However, in cases like a ruptured oil pan with heavy flow, you must wait for roadside assistance. Pay special attention to high-frequency leak points such as radiator hose connections and crankshaft oil seals, and don't be fooled by repair shops into replacing entire sealing sets.
Last week, while dropping my child off at school, I noticed oil leaking from under the car, which sent a chill down my spine. I immediately turned on the hazard lights and pulled over, then rummaged through the trunk for an oil drip pan to place underneath to prevent road contamination. While contacting the insurance company to arrange a tow truck, I also looked up the nearest 24-hour auto repair shop. A word of advice: if the steering wheel feels heavier, it might be due to power steering fluid leakage, and a spongy brake pedal is often a sign of brake line issues. As a mom who drives, I always keep emergency rescue numbers saved in my phone and carry absorbent towels and temporary leak repair tape in the car. After getting the car fixed, I’ve made it a habit to walk around the car and check the ground before every start.
