Can You Continue Driving After Being Prompted to Check the Engine Oil Level?
2 Answers
After your car displays a message prompting you to check the engine oil level, it is best not to continue driving. Immediately open the engine compartment, check the remaining oil level using the dipstick, and then take appropriate measures based on the remaining oil level. First scenario: No oil is present—the dipstick shows no oil, or the oil level is below the minimum mark. In this case, you should purchase new engine oil. Add the new oil until the level reaches just above the minimum mark on the dipstick, then drive to the nearest 4S shop or repair shop for inspection. Therefore, it is recommended that car owners always keep a spare bottle of new engine oil in the trunk to avoid being unable to top up when needed. Second scenario: The oil level is exactly at the minimum mark on the dipstick. In this case, there is no need to add new oil, and you can drive a few kilometers to the 4S shop for repairs. However, aggressive driving or high-load usage should be avoided during this time. Third scenario: The oil level is normal, between the maximum and minimum marks. The likely issue could be a damaged pressure relief valve, bypass valve, or an aging oil pump. In this situation, call a tow truck to transport the car to a 4S shop for inspection.
When I see the vehicle's check engine oil level warning, I immediately choose to pull over and stop driving. Engine oil is the lubricant for the engine, and low oil levels lead to increased friction and rapid heat buildup, which can quickly damage critical components. Once, I ignored the warning and drove another two kilometers, nearly causing the engine to overheat and fail—costing over 5,000 yuan in repairs. After stopping, wait ten minutes for the engine to cool down, then pull out the dipstick to check the oil level. If it's below the marked line, don't risk starting the engine. If needed, add some spare oil and drive slowly to a repair shop to check for leaks. Regular maintenance and oil changes are essential to prevent such issues—don't let a small problem turn into a disaster.