2002 Nissan Sentra Transmission fluid and engine oil leak

CLAUDOA ALLEN

MEMBER
2002 NISSAN SENTRA
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
26,000 MILES

My son hit something in the road and almost immediately the oil began leaking. He did not drive the car for 2 days because our mechanic was not available. Today we noticed another spot of fluid on the driveway. We investigated and determined that the second leak is transmission fluid.

Can both of these leaks be pans or something under the car that got a hole due to being hit? Our mechanic told us to fill the car with oil and drive to his shop. He doesn't know about the transmission fluid leak. Do you think it would be ok to add transmission fluid and drive the car about 5-6 miles to the mechanic?

Can fluids leak due to hitting something or could we be looking a major repairs? Please help. I am unemployed and can only donate $5.00 but I really need an answer before Monday 11/16. Thanks

1 Reply

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Hi Claudoa Allen,

Thank you for the donation.

Yes, the leaks could be due to impact damages and you should check the fluid level first.

If the leak is not too bad, you would be able to drive it the few miles after topping up the fluids and oil.

However if the leak is too bad, some form of patching should be done before attempting to drive failing which oil or fluid loss can cause extensive damage to the engine and/or transmission.

You would need to visually inspect the damage to determine its extend.

Epoxy sealants would provide some temporary patching if you are able to clean and dry the affected area before applying them.