
Engine oil leakage is covered by 4S store warranty. Steps for warranty claim: In case of an accident, directly call the salesperson to inform them, then call the insurance company to report the incident. If there is third-party involvement, an accident liability determination document needs to be provided. After the insurance loss assessor arrives at the scene to evaluate the vehicle damage, proceed to the repair shop designated by the insurance company for repairs. If the company does not have a designated repair shop, you can choose any repair shop. Damaged parts will be replaced accordingly. Points to note for warranty: Most stores now offer appointment services. Many people are not accustomed to making appointments, but it is actually a good practice as it can save you from waiting in line. For first-time warranty services, many people park their cars in front of the showroom, which is incorrect. If parked in front of the showroom, the car will still need to be moved to the service area. Therefore, it is advisable to check the layout beforehand to avoid the hassle of moving the car later.

Last time I had my car serviced at the 4S dealership, I specifically asked the technician about warranty coverage for engine oil seepage. He said it depends on the vehicle's purchase date and mileage—as long as the issue occurs within the manufacturer's warranty period, such as within three years or 100,000 kilometers, it's generally covered for free. Problems like oil pan gasket or valve cover seal aging typically fall under warranty. However, if you've modified the engine yourself or had post-accident repairs done outside the 4S dealership, they might deny coverage. The technician emphasized that maintenance records will be checked before warranty service, so it's crucial to stick to scheduled servicing at authorized 4S shops and keep all stamped records. Never delay until after the warranty expires—you'd have to pay out of pocket then.

My neighbor Lao Wang's car had an engine oil leak last year, and I followed him to the dealership several times before understanding the warranty rules. The key points boil down to two things: the warranty period and the cause of the fault. Lao Wang's car had three months left on the warranty at the time, and the dealership found it was a crankshaft oil seal leak, so they replaced the seal for free. The service manager privately told us that as long as the oil leak wasn’t caused by human damage or improper maintenance, the dealership would generally handle it under warranty. He specifically reminded us to bring the purchase invoice and maintenance manual, as their system could quickly verify the service records. Also, he advised not to wait until the leak worsens—minor issues are resolved faster and won’t affect other components.

Last month, I gained some experience helping a friend with an engine oil seepage warranty claim. For new cars under warranty, dealerships are generally responsible for oil seepage issues. My friend's car had seepage at the oil pan joint, and after inspection, the dealership attributed it to assembly process issues, performing a free sealant treatment the same day. However, two exceptions should be noted: first, if maintenance is overdue or related parts were serviced elsewhere; second, if the oil leak is caused by undercarriage damage. Most importantly, avoid cleaning the oil stains yourself, as it may hinder fault diagnosis. It's advisable to schedule an inspection immediately upon noticing the issue. Nowadays, many dealerships have quick warranty processes, and with some luck, the repair can be completed in as little as two hours.


