What Are the Causes of Oil Leakage Under the Car in Winter?

[HarmonyLee]

The main causes of oil leakage under the car in winter include fuel tank damage; valve oil seal damage; improper installation of the oil filter; and shock absorber oil leakage. Note that if there is oil leakage under the car, the vehicle should not be started to avoid the risk of explosion. If the fuel tank is damaged, the driver should not start the vehicle and should promptly call for a tow truck to take the car to a 4S shop for fuel tank replacement. The valve oil seal is a rubber product that is prone to aging. In winter, thermal expansion and contraction can cause oil leakage. Oil seal aging is irreversible and cannot be repaired; in such cases, simply replace the valve oil seal with a new one. If the oil filter is not installed properly, oil will pass through the filter during each circulation cycle. Improper installation of the oil filter can lead to oil leakage, and in this case, the oil filter needs to be reinstalled correctly. Damage to the sealing gasket inside the shock absorber can also cause oil leakage under the vehicle. In such cases, replacing the sealing gasket with a new one will resolve the issue.

[McRhett]

As an ordinary driver, I often notice oil stains under my car after parking in the cold winter, which is no small matter. After talking with a mechanic friend, the main reasons are that rubber seals shrink and become brittle in low temperatures, making areas like the oil pan gasket or transmission seal prone to cracking and leaking. In winter, the cold temperatures cause engine oil and brake fluid to thicken, increasing pressure and making aging components more likely to fail. Additionally, road salt can corrode the undercarriage metal, accelerating wear and leading to leaks. My car once had a power steering fluid leak, which nearly caused an accident, all because I didn’t replace the seals in time. I recommend checking all fluid levels before winter, replacing old seals, and regularly cleaning the undercarriage to reduce salt damage. These steps can significantly reduce unexpected risks and ensure safer driving.

[McEden]

I enjoy tinkering with cars in my spare time and often inspect my vehicle during the cold winter months. Oil leaks under the car are mostly caused by the contraction and cracking of seals due to the cold, especially at the oil pan gasket or pipe joints. In winter, the frozen ground and increased viscosity of oil can make small issues appear more severe. I've also noticed that road salt can corrode pipes, accelerating oil leaks. If you're doing it yourself, you can use a flashlight to check for oil stains under the car and feel around key areas for looseness or seepage. For example, seals near the transmission and engine are prone to problems. Regular attention is key—check for stains on the ground after parking overnight to avoid unnecessary repair shop expenses. Regularly replacing aged oil and seals, adding antifreeze oil products to prevent cold damage, and consistent maintenance can help avoid major repairs.

[LeLeonardo]

Having driven cars for decades, I've found oil leaks underneath the vehicle in winter to be a common occurrence. The cold causes rubber seals to harden and crack, with oil pans or water pump gaskets usually being the first to fail. Road salt corrodes metal pipes, making older cars more prone to engine oil or coolant leaks. Experience has taught me the importance of early maintenance - timely oil changes and gasket replacements.