Can You Drive with Insufficient Engine Oil?
2 Answers
It is not recommended to drive when the engine oil is insufficient, as it can damage the engine. When the oil level is too low, it may not fully submerge the oil pickup tube, causing the oil pump to fail in drawing enough oil, leading to low oil pressure and triggering the oil pressure warning. In such cases, you should stop driving immediately and address the issue promptly. Engine oil primarily serves four functions: lubrication, sealing, cooling, and rust prevention. Driving with insufficient oil means the engine operates with inadequate lubrication, poor sealing, and insufficient cooling, which can result in excessive wear, severe localized damage, or even complete engine failure in extreme cases.
I remember last time when I was driving my old car, the oil light suddenly came on. I thought it could hold on for a while, but then the engine made strange noises that scared me into pulling over immediately. Too little oil will increase friction between internal engine components, and instant high temperatures may cause crankshaft bearings to melt or pistons to seize, with repair costs potentially reaching tens of thousands. Even worse, overheating can pose a fire risk, which is especially deadly on highways. Since then, I've insisted on checking the oil level every month: park and turn off the engine, wait a few minutes, pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it, and don't start the car if the level is below the minimum mark. Adding oil is simple—just buy the same type at the supermarket. Never risk driving it; safety comes first, so your whole family won't have to worry.
