Can the car start without engine oil?
4 Answers
Engine oil is essential for starting the car. Its primary function is to lubricate and cool the engine. If you attempt to drive without engine oil, the lack of lubrication will cause the engine components to rub against each other, leading to damage. Additionally, without the cooling effect, the engine may overheat during high-speed operation, potentially causing issues like burning the crankshaft or bearing shells. Engine oil, also known as motor oil or engine lubricant, is a substance enhanced with additives in base oil. It mainly contains anti-wear additives, detergents, dispersants, and multi-grade viscosity index improvers, all designed for lubricating internal combustion engines.
I've driven a small car for over a decade. I remember once when I was in a hurry to catch a flight for a business trip, I forgot to check the engine oil before starting the car. Within a few hundred meters, I heard a screeching sound from the engine, which scared me into immediately turning off the engine and pulling over. Upon checking the dipstick, I found the oil was completely empty, and the engine was nearly ruined. Starting a car without oil causes direct friction between internal engine parts, generating excessive heat, leading to severe wear on piston rings and cylinder walls—minor cases result in scratches, while severe ones can cause seizure. After that incident, I developed a habit of checking the oil level between the Min and Max marks on the dipstick before refueling. If it's too low, I top it up with the same type of oil before hitting the road. It's especially important to check before a cold start to avoid last-minute costly repairs and to extend the engine's lifespan by several years.
As a homemaker, I prioritize safe driving. If there's no engine oil left in the car, never start the engine casually—it's extremely risky. Lubricating oil protects engine components by reducing friction and dissipating heat. Starting the car without oil causes excessive friction, leading to engine overheating or even sudden seizure. If this happens on the road, such as stalling at an intersection or highway, the following vehicles may not brake in time, resulting in rear-end collisions that threaten personal safety. My husband taught me and our kids to always check the dipstick before setting off: pull it out, wipe it clean, reinsert it, then pull it out again to ensure the oil level is between the minimum and maximum marks. If oil leakage or low oil level is detected, refill before ignition. Prevention is key to ensuring every trip is safe and sound.
When I was young, I tried to save money and ignored the oil light warning, starting the car directly. The engine immediately made a loud noise and rattled violently. I quickly turned off the engine and checked—the dipstick showed no oil. The mechanic said I was lucky to catch it early, otherwise I would have had to spend thousands replacing the engine. Now, I check the oil every time I finish a tank of gas and top it up if it's low. This was a hard lesson—starting an engine without oil can cause internal damage in just a short time, with friction generating heat that leads to cylinder scoring and wear. The repair costs would be astronomical, so it's better to be diligent and check more often.
