What are the hazards of engine oil leakage?
2 Answers
Engine oil leakage primarily causes the loss of engine oil, leading to waste. In severe cases, it may result in insufficient oil levels, which can damage the engine. The damage is not directly caused by the leakage itself, but rather by the insufficient oil pressure due to the leakage. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor the oil level closely. The impacts of insufficient engine oil pressure are as follows: 1. Poor lubrication of crankshaft, connecting rod, and camshaft bearings. 2. The engine may produce abnormal noises, run unsteadily, and experience reduced power. 3. Poor lubrication in critical friction areas, leading to local overheating. 4. In severe cases, it can cause engine bearing seizure.
From my over ten years of driving experience, engine oil leakage is definitely not a trivial matter. If oil leaks, the engine's lubrication becomes insufficient, component friction increases, and the car may overheat or even smoke and catch fire while driving. Once, I didn't notice an oil leak while driving, and the engine temperature became alarmingly high midway, nearly causing a major accident. Over time, this accelerates engine wear, cutting its lifespan by half. Repairs can be a nightmare, costing at least several hundred to thousands of dollars, with replacement parts being even more expensive. Parking the car in the garage leaves oil stains all over the floor, making cleanup a hassle. Safety is also a serious concern—oil dripping onto hot pipes can potentially cause a fire, significantly increasing driving risks.
