What to Do If the Car Is Leaking Engine Oil?
2 Answers
Solutions for car engine oil leakage are as follows: 1. Valve cover oil leakage: More common in vehicles around 5 years old, requiring replacement of the valve cover gasket. 2. Engine oil pan leakage: Caused by aging of the oil pan gasket. The oil pan needs to be removed to replace the gasket and reapply sealant. 3. Long-term neglect in replacing the drain plug washer: The drain plug washer provides a sealing function and should be replaced regularly according to the maintenance schedule. 4. Engine timing cover oil leakage: Requires removal of the timing cover and reapplication of sealant. 5. Oil pan drain plug loosening or damage: Tighten or replace the drain plug.
Oil leakage is no small matter. The first time I encountered it was on a business trip when I noticed a small puddle of oil under the car—my heart skipped a beat. I immediately pulled over, popped the hood, and checked the dipstick. Sure enough, the oil level was a bit low. I temporarily found a gas station to buy the same type of oil, topped it up, and drove cautiously to the repair shop. The mechanic said a worn oil pan gasket is a common cause, and an improperly tightened oil filter can also lead to leaks. I recommend making it a habit to glance at the ground for fresh oil stains after parking and checking the oil level monthly when the engine is cold. Prevention is crucial—don’t skimp on oil quality, as cheap, inferior oil corrodes gaskets faster. Engine oil starvation causes severe wear, and repairs can cost thousands. Addressing it early saves big money. During routine maintenance, have the seals inspected thoroughly—a small investment to avoid major issues.
