Can You Still Drive When the Engine Oil Level is Below the Minimum Mark on the Dipstick?
1 Answers
If the engine oil level is below the minimum mark on the dipstick, you should not continue driving. It is necessary to check whether the engine is leaking or burning oil, and to refill the oil to the maximum mark before driving. To prevent further damage to the engine due to insufficient oil, the owner should promptly go to the nearest gas station or auto repair shop to replenish the oil. The oil level reaching the minimum mark on the dipstick only indicates that the amount of oil in the engine has reached the lower limit allowed for use, not that there is no oil at all. Generally, there is about one liter of capacity between the minimum and maximum marks on the dipstick. Even when the oil level is at the minimum mark, the lubrication function of the oil is still sufficient. Under these circumstances, the car can still be used normally, but aggressive driving or high-load usage should be avoided. Engine oil not only lubricates but also cools the engine. Some high-performance engines even have specialized oil nozzles to cool the pistons. Insufficient oil levels can weaken the cooling effect on these parts. If the car is driven aggressively under such conditions, the engine may become overloaded and overheated, leading to excessive temperature rise and potential engine overheating.
