Where Do Cars Usually Leak Oil?
1 Answers
Car oil leaks typically occur at the brakes, front and rear axle oil seals, engine oil pan, shock absorbers, and other locations. The details are as follows: Brake fluid leak locations: Brakes are different from other components. Any sign of oil seepage should raise immediate concern because brake fluid leaks directly impact driving safety. If the brakes fail, the consequences could be disastrous. Brake fluid leaks most commonly occur near the wheel at the brake bleeder valves, brake fluid reservoir, or brake pedal. Any abnormalities should be repaired promptly. Front and rear axle oil seal leaks: Oil seals are mechanical components designed to contain oil. If not installed properly, they can leak. Generally, the front crankshaft oil seal is more prone to leaks, while the rear crankshaft oil seal is less likely. Oil seals are wear-and-tear parts that degrade over time, leading to leaks as they age. Engine oil pan leaks: The engine oil pan is a common and potentially dangerous leak location. Leaks often occur when repair technicians fail to follow the maintenance manual's specified torque for tightening the oil pan bolts—whether due to insufficient tightening or excessive torque. If the leak is severe, oil can splash onto the hot exhaust system during driving, potentially causing a vehicle fire. Shock absorber leaks: Shock absorbers are prone to damage and often start leaking after tens of thousands of kilometers. Besides directly observing for leaks, you can also check the shock absorber's condition to determine if it's leaking. If a leak is detected, the shock absorber should be replaced.
