What Are the Hazards of Engine Oil Leakage?
3 Answers
Engine oil leakage hazards are as follows: 1. The main hazard is the loss of engine oil, causing waste and environmental pollution. 2. Severe cases may lead to insufficient engine oil, resulting in engine damage, and even potential vehicle self-ignition. Common causes of engine oil leakage are as follows: 1. Damage to the front/rear crankshaft oil seal causing leakage. 2. Damage to the oil pan gasket or loose screws causing leakage. 3. Damage to the oil pump gasket or loose screws causing leakage. 4. Damage to the oil pan drain plug gasket, missing installation, or looseness causing leakage. 5. Improper assembly, damage, or loose screws of the timing gear cover gasket causing leakage. 6. Blockage of the rear crankshaft oil return thread by dirt causing leakage. Improper machining of the oil return thread or excessive coaxial deviation between the threaded journal and the oil seal seat hole causing leakage. 7. Poor sealing of the oil cooler/oil filter/valve cover gasket/distributor housing mounting hole causing leakage. 8. Deformation of the camshaft bearing rear cover/rocker arm cover or connecting rod cover/engine bracket plate, or poor gasket sealing causing leakage.
My neighbor Lao Wang's car had this exact issue - oil leaks are terrifying! Oil dripping onto the exhaust pipe can cause smoking or even fires. With engine bay temperatures so high, it's a ticking time bomb for spontaneous combustion, posing risks even when parked in the garage. Insufficient oil leads to metal components grinding inside the engine - piston and cylinder wall damage means 10,000+ RMB overhaul costs. Those black oil puddles on the ground also bring environmental pollution fines from sanitation inspectors. He had to keep spare oil in the trunk for constant top-ups - wasting half a barrel monthly with money literally dripping away. Last highway trip triggered coolant temperature warnings when leaks impaired cooling, nearly causing engine seizure. Ignoring oil leaks is slow-motion suicide - early repair brings peace of mind.
My friend's car has had oil leaks repaired twice, and I know the pain all too well. The worst fear is the engine oil level dropping, leading to dry friction in the engine, which could eventually cause a complete breakdown over time. The dripping oil stains the parking lot, prompting complaints from the property management, and you end up paying for the cleanup. Oil seeping into the belts and wiring accelerates corrosion and aging, making the repair bill even longer. Abnormal engine temperatures make long-distance driving a constant worry about breaking down. Every maintenance check reveals oil traces, keeping you on edge and hesitant to drive far. You also have to stock up on extra engine oil, costing over a hundred per bottle—a long-term expense that's hard to swallow. Safety and reliability take a big hit; an oil leak makes it feel like the car could fail catastrophically at any moment.
