Is it safe to drive with an oil leak?

Oil lubricates the engine and is an integral part of your vehicle. Oil reduces corrosion, promotes engine cooling and reduces wear on moving parts. If you notice a black puddle under your car, you may have oil...

Oil lubricates the engine and is an integral part of your vehicle. Oil reduces corrosion, promotes engine cooling and reduces wear on moving parts. If you notice a black puddle under your car, you may have an oil leak. This cannot be ignored and a mechanic should have it checked as soon as possible.

Here are some things to know about the common signs and dangers of driving with an oil leak:

• Remaining oil leakage can lead to premature wear of seals or rubber hoses. In addition, oil leaks are a fire hazard and can cause sudden vehicle breakdown. If the oil ignites or the engine fails while driving, there is a possibility of injury to you and others.

• One way to check for an oil leak is to regularly look at the dipstick. If your oil drops over time, chances are you have an oil leak. As soon as you notice that the oil level is low, add some oil to the engine and contact a mechanic so they can determine the cause of the oil leak. Do not just add oil and forget about the leak, because this is a potential fire hazard.

• Another sign of an oil leak is the smell of burnt oil. Oil that gets on hot parts of the engine emits a characteristic odor. If you notice a bad smell coming from the front of your car, it's time to contact a mechanic.

• If you are driving down the road and notice blue smoke coming from your car's exhaust pipe, this is another sign that you may have an oil leak. Blue smoke is usually a sign of burning oil, which could be a sign of an oil leak. Also, check the underside of the car and see if there are puddles or black stains. These two signs combined indicate an oil leak.

Driving with an oil leak is potentially dangerous because it could start a fire. If the leak is not fixed promptly, the engine may wear out prematurely, causing more serious problems. If you're concerned that you have an oil leak, look at the oil level, look out for odors, and pay attention to the color of your vehicle's exhaust gases. For peace of mind and safety while driving, see a certified mechanic as soon as possible to check for an oil leak.