Can the car still be driven if the oil level cannot be seen on the dipstick?
2 Answers
If the oil level cannot be seen on the dipstick but the oil warning light or engine fault warning light is not illuminated, the car can still be driven. Most vehicles will display a red warning light when the oil level is low. In such cases, you should stop immediately and add oil. If there is no warning light but the dipstick shows insufficient oil, you can continue driving for a short distance, but you should replenish the oil as soon as possible. When adding oil, it is best to use the same brand and type as the original oil. The correct method for adding oil: 1. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, and measure again to check if the oil is low and by how much; 2. Open the oil cap, calculate how much can be added at once, close the cap, start the engine for a few minutes to allow the newly added oil to circulate in the engine; 3. Check the dipstick again and add more oil if necessary.
If the oil dipstick shows no oil, absolutely do not drive. I've experienced a similar situation myself—once on the highway, the engine suddenly made strange noises, and upon checking, the dipstick was bone dry. It was truly dangerous. Engine oil is crucial for lubrication; if it's low or gone, friction increases dramatically, and parts can burn out. Possible causes include oil leaks, burning oil, or prolonged lack of maintenance. Forcing the car to run could instantly wreck the engine, with repairs costing tens of thousands. Safety first—immediately turn off the engine, check if the dipstick is positioned correctly, add some oil, or call a tow truck to a professional shop. Driving isn't a trivial matter—minor issues can lead to breakdowns and endless trouble, while major ones can result in total vehicle destruction.
