Can I still drive when the oil dipstick reaches the lower limit?
2 Answers
When the oil dipstick reaches the lower limit, you can continue driving, but avoid aggressive driving: 1. When the oil dipstick shows the oil level at the lower limit, it doesn't mean there's no oil left in the engine. The lower limit on the dipstick serves as a warning. When the oil reaches this level, there's still about one liter of oil remaining in the engine. Under normal circumstances, you can continue driving, but you must avoid aggressive driving as it may cause excessive wear and shorten the vehicle's lifespan. 2. When checking oil level via electronic oil dipstick, the principle is the same as with a conventional dipstick. Electronic dipsticks usually only have two markers, and it's best to maintain the oil level between them. 3. If you notice the engine oil is low, add oil promptly to prevent excessive engine wear and unnecessary damage. When adding oil, be careful not to overfill, as too much oil may lead to oil burning issues.
Seeing the oil dipstick at the lower limit, I think it's best not to drive. As a vehicle maintenance professional, I've repaired many engines that were scrapped due to insufficient oil. Oil below the lower limit means the remaining oil is close to the minimum protection requirement. Driving under such conditions increases internal engine friction, and components like pistons and crankshafts can easily overheat and wear out. In severe cases, the engine may require major repairs or even replacement, which is costly. I recommend stopping and turning off the engine immediately to check for oil leaks or burning oil. Also, keep a suitable bottle of oil on hand to top up to the middle-upper line. If you must move the vehicle, do so only for a short distance at low speed to the nearest repair shop or gas station for a refill. Avoid long-distance driving at all costs. Regularly checking the oil level is a fundamental aspect of vehicle maintenance—don't cut corners for convenience.
