Freezing weather oil leak

Has anyone experienced a small oil leak on a day with freezing temperatures? I noticed about a teaspoon of oil on my garage floor after driving for the first time in snow. It appears to have stopped.

 

Was it in 4wd? Did you look underneath it?

 

A small oil leak appearing after freezing temperatures is likely caused by the contraction of rubber seals and gaskets in your engine, which can happen when the temperature drops significantly, creating tiny gaps that allow oil to seep out; essentially, cold weather can exacerbate existing small leaks by making the seals less effective due to hardening and shrinking.

 

Thank you for a great explanation. I appreciate that.

 

Was not in 4 wheel drive. I looked under and it looks like the oil was underneath where the oil drain plug bolt is.

 

Make darn sure the drain plug is tight before you drive it. If it loosens up more while driving, it’s game over!

 

I live in Maine and not sure I’ve seen this before. Yes cold weather can have its effect on stuff, but I would assume that for vehicles sold in cold weather states or Canada the cold temps are taking into consideration and this would not be expected. I’d check the oil drain plug.

 

Go where leak is. Spray off with brake cleaner or similar. Wipe it all clean. Monitor. Could be from oil drain plug gasket or oil pan gasket.

 

So I’m an idiot. It turns out my wife parked our Chrysler minivan in my beloved 4Runner’s spot in the garage and I’ve been chasing a phantom. Thank God it was the minivan. In chasing, I did discover that a little plate that protects the oil pan was gone. I read that sometimes oil change techs will forget to replace this which can be problematic and leave the oil pan/plug exposed to the elements. I ordered a replacement and will always look under to see if it’s been replaced before leaving an oil change. Thank you all for your thoughtful advice!!
Toyota 51457-60030 Engine Under Cover Seal

 

Glad you found the answer. And, you've discovered why a lot of owners change the oil themselves and not leave it to the "techs".