Is Oil Seepage Normal for Mercedes-Benz?
2 Answers
Whether oil seepage is normal for a Mercedes-Benz depends on the situation. Minor oil seepage may be due to the natural permeation of engine oil, but if the seepage is severe, it is recommended to visit a repair shop as soon as possible. Phenomenon of Oil Seepage: Engine oil has strong permeation capabilities, and it is common for a small amount to seep out from the oil seals. This is a general occurrence rather than a fault. Precautions for Minor Oil Seepage: Minor oil seepage can be monitored while continuing to use the vehicle. Pay attention to the seams, as they are common areas for seepage. Tightening the relevant screws might be sufficient to address the issue. However, if there is significant seepage that cannot be resolved by simply tightening screws, it is advisable to take the vehicle to a professional repair shop. This not only prevents wastage of gasoline but also avoids the situation escalating into an oil leak.
I've been driving an old Mercedes-Benz E-Class for almost six years, and to be honest, oil leaks are quite common. Last week during maintenance when they lifted it up, the engine oil pan was wet again. The mechanic said German cars have fast-aging rubber seals, especially around the crankshaft front/rear oil seals and valve cover gaskets which are prone to leaking. But it depends on severity: if there's only coin-sized oil stains under parking spots, you can probably keep driving; but if oil drips onto the ground, immediate repair is necessary. Once my friend ignored it, and engine oil leaked onto the turbocharger pipes causing a fire - terrifying. I recommend wiping the engine bay during car washes, checking the dipstick every three months, and addressing abnormal oil consumption immediately.