Can I still drive if the oil doesn't show on the dipstick but there's no warning light?
2 Answers
It is recommended not to continue driving if the oil doesn't show on the dipstick but there's no warning light. If the dipstick shows no oil at all, it indicates insufficient oil. The situation where the oil doesn't show on the dipstick but there's no warning light could be due to a faulty level sensor or the engine not having a level sensor at all. If the level sensor is malfunctioning, it should be repaired as soon as possible. Driving with insufficient oil can lead to poor lubrication of the friction surfaces between engine components, increasing wear and tear. Additionally, oil plays a crucial role in cooling and heat dissipation. Insufficient oil weakens the engine's cooling capacity, causing internal overheating, which can further result in bearing seizure, cylinder scoring, and other issues. Symptoms such as reduced vehicle power and excessive oil consumption may be noticeable during driving.
As a seasoned driver with over a decade of experience, I personally encountered a situation where the oil didn't register on the dipstick but the warning light didn't come on. I stubbornly drove dozens of kilometers, only to end up with an overheated engine that required major repairs costing thousands—a painful lesson indeed. Even if the warning system fails, low oil levels can increase engine friction, cause piston scuffing, and other issues. Prolonged oil starvation can directly lead to engine failure. My advice is to first pull over and check the dipstick oil level, then top up with the correct specification oil to the midpoint mark while also checking for any leaks. Make it a habit to inspect the dipstick weekly to catch problems early. Driving is no trivial matter—safety comes first. Engine repairs are both costly and time-consuming, so it's better to address the issue properly now.
