What to Do When the Oil Tank is Leaking Due to Impact?
4 Answers
Solution: Apply resin adhesive to a metal plate larger than the leak point (plate thickness of 0.8 to 1.5 mm is sufficient) on the exterior of the leak. Before pasting, clean the area to be adhered, sand it with sandpaper, and clean it again before applying the adhesive. It is best to heat the adhered area for about three hours, maintaining a temperature of around 60°C. If the impact damage is severe, it is recommended to replace the oil tank. Functions of Engine Oil: 1. Reducing Friction and High Temperature: A sufficiently thick oil film separates the surfaces of relatively sliding parts, thereby reducing wear. 2. Sealing: Engine oil can form a seal between the piston rings and pistons, reducing gas leakage and preventing external contaminants from entering. 3. Anti-rust: Lubricating oil adheres to the surfaces of parts, preventing contact with water, air, acidic substances, and harmful gases. 4. Cushioning: When the pressure in the engine cylinder rises sharply, suddenly increasing the load on the pistons, piston rings, connecting rods, and crankshaft bearings, this load is transmitted and lubricated through the bearings, cushioning the impact load. 5. Cleaning: High-quality engine oil can carry carbon deposits, sludge, and worn metal particles from engine parts back to the oil tank through circulation, washing away contaminants generated on the working surfaces of parts via the flow of the lubricating oil.
The first time I encountered this was driving on a mountain road at night—a loud clunk and I knew something was wrong. If you’ve also cracked your oil pan, immediately turn on your hazard lights, pull over, and shut off the engine! When that red oil can light on the dashboard comes on, your engine isn’t far from total failure. Don’t push your luck and keep driving—last time I saw someone push it for three kilometers, and it ended up costing 28,000 for an engine overhaul. Once safely parked, use your phone flashlight to check under the car, and if you find the leak, try to plug it temporarily with plastic wrap. Remember to call your insurance for a free tow truck. The repair shop will need to remove the underbody cover to inspect the oil pan—if it’s deformed, it’ll need replacing. Also, a reminder: it’s time to install underbody armor. These rough roads here are brutal without proper protection.
Two years ago, my colleague's car suffered the same fate, with the engine seizing up directly. If you discover an oil leak, you must shut off the engine and stop the car immediately—continuing to drive could cause the bearings to seize in minutes. After stopping, don't touch the hood right away to avoid burns. Take a photo of the leak location with your phone to show the mechanic—it can save diagnostic time. For a temporary fix, chewing gum or soap can work decently to plug the leak, but it'll only hold until the tow truck arrives. Note that nowadays, towing must be done with a flatbed truck—using a tow dolly at an angle will drain any remaining oil. During repairs, ask the mechanic to also check the oil filter housing gasket, as this part is prone to deformation and oil leaks after impact.
I just had this fixed on my car last week. If the oil light flashes, find a safe place to pull over immediately—don't even keep it idling! Pop the hood and pull out the dipstick. If the oil level is below the minimum mark, call a tow truck right away. For a temporary fix, you can apply AB glue to the crack, but wait three minutes for it to set. During repairs, if the oil pan is slightly deformed, it can still be panel-beaten, but if the crack is large, it's better to replace it with an aluminum alloy part for durability. Remember, after repairs, make sure to watch the mechanic perform a pressure test—I learned the hard way when mine wasn't checked, leading to a second oil leak after driving off.
