What to Do If the Vehicle is Leaking Engine Oil?
2 Answers
Methods to deal with vehicle engine oil leakage: 1. If the crankshaft front oil seal is broken, damaged, aged, or the contact surface between the crankshaft pulley and the oil seal is worn, it can lead to oil leakage at the front of the crankshaft. In such cases, the damaged or aged crankshaft or pulley should be replaced; 2. Check whether the camshaft rear oil seal is leaking and promptly replace any aged or cracked oil seals; 3. Inspect the engine lubrication system components for external leaks and replace any faulty parts immediately. Whether the car is leaking engine oil or gasoline, it is essential to take it to a repair shop immediately. Otherwise, it may result in insufficient engine power, and in severe cases, the vehicle may fail to start.
I've encountered engine oil leaks several times myself. I remember the first time driving long-distance when smoke started coming from under the hood - it scared me so much I immediately pulled over and shut off the engine. Checking the dipstick showed the oil level was nearly empty, so I quickly added some spare oil to prevent engine seizure. Locating the leak point isn't easy - you have to crawl under the car to trace where the oil trail originates. Common causes are a loose oil pan drain plug or improperly tightened filter, while older cars may have cracked sealing gaskets. Clean the leaking area thoroughly with paper towels, then start the engine and observe for a few minutes to identify the drip location. I'd advise against attempting DIY repairs as it's easy to make things worse - better drive directly to a nearby repair shop for comprehensive inspection. Prevention is key - regular 5,000km oil changes and maintenance can extend seal life and avoid roadside emergencies. Delaying repairs risks not just engine failure but dangerous fire hazards too.
