What should I do if my car is leaking oil?
3 Answers
What should I do if my car is leaking oil: 1. Replace the filter screw; 2. Sprinkle water on the hub to cool it down; 3. Replace seals such as oil seals and gaskets; 4. Add lubricating oil; 5. Check and clear the vent plug and check valve; 6. Replace thin-walled parts like side covers; 7. Tighten or replace nuts. The reasons for oil leakage are: 1. Uneven tightening force of nuts, stripped threads, or loose and falling off causing failure; 2. Excessive wear, aging, or deformation of sealing materials; 3. Insufficient lubricating oil; 4. Warping deformation of component joint surfaces or shell damage causing oil leakage; 5. Blockage of vent plugs or check valves.
Last time I was driving on the highway and noticed oil dripping from the chassis, which really scared me. I immediately pulled over, turned on the hazard lights, and squatted down to check the color of the oil stains—black indicates engine oil, red is transmission fluid, and green coolant is the most dangerous. Never try to start the engine again; calling for a tow truck is the safest option. Once, I thought it was just a loose oil filter, but after taking it apart, I found out it was a worn-out rear crankshaft oil seal. I recommend having the repair shop first check the sealing gasket and oil pan bolts, as leaks in these areas are quite common. You can keep some oil-absorbent cotton on hand for emergencies, but never try to patch it up with tape, as it can cause bigger problems. Remember to take photos of the leak location to show the technician—it can save a lot of diagnostic time. Don’t hesitate to pay for the tow truck; safety comes first.
When I noticed oil leaking under the car, I immediately pulled over to a safe spot. First, I used a tissue to dab some oil and check its color: brownish-yellow indicates engine oil, while bright red suggests power steering fluid. If it's dripping rapidly, lay down cardboard to prevent ground contamination. Once, my car's oil pipe fitting was loose, and tightening it half a turn with a wrench temporarily stopped the leak. But don't push your luck—drive to the nearest repair shop to check areas like the oil pan and transmission seals. Costs vary: replacing a seal might cost a few hundred, while a crankshaft seal could run over a thousand. During regular maintenance, pay attention to oil stains on the chassis. Washing off accumulated oil stains during car washes can help detect issues early.
