Can You Still Drive When the Oil Dipstick is at the Lower Limit?
4 Answers
You can still drive when the oil dipstick is at the lower limit. Generally, there is approximately one liter of capacity between the upper and lower limits on the dipstick. Even when the oil level reaches the lower limit, 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 is not recommended. If you drive aggressively at this point, it can cause excessive engine load and increased temperature, potentially leading to engine overheating. Engine oil, or motor oil, plays crucial roles in the engine, including lubrication, cleaning, cooling, sealing, reducing wear, damping vibrations, and preventing rust and corrosion. Currently, there are three types of engine oil on the market: conventional mineral oil, semi-synthetic oil, and full-synthetic oil.
My old car had the same issue recently. When engine oil reaches the minimum level, it's like the fuel tank warning light coming on - you can limp along for a while but must address it immediately. Last week before a highway trip, I checked and found the level scraping the bottom. I nervously drove those 20km to the dealership, and the mechanic said I was really damaging the engine that way. At that point, the oil pump pickup was above the oil surface - like a water pump hose sucking air instead of water, which can easily lead to bearing failure. As emergency measure, you can pour some same-grade oil into the filler cap, but remember to check only after shutting off a warmed-up engine for five minutes. For cars over 5 years old, be extra diligent - popping the hood monthly to check the dipstick costs you nothing.
After ten years of repairing cars, I've seen too many cases of cylinder scoring caused by neglecting oil issues. When the dipstick hits the bottom, the actual oil volume is only 60% of the standard value. During aggressive driving, oil gets thrown onto the cylinder walls and can't return. Last time I handled a Volkswagen for a customer who claimed to have driven just three days with oil at the minimum level - upon disassembly, we found both main and connecting rod bearings were scratched. The safest approach is to drive slowly to the nearest repair shop, keeping RPM below 2000 throughout. For CVT transmissions, shift to L mode. I always keep half a liter of 5W-30 in my toolbox - several times female drivers called with flashing oil lights, and I simply had them pour in my emergency backup oil.
The most common mistake novice drivers make is continuing to drive when the oil light isn't on. In reality, the fluid level sensor is located 1 cm below the dipstick, and by the time the light comes on, the engine may already be damaged. Last winter, a neighbor's Sylphy required an 8,000-yuan overhaul due to this issue. Here's a simple three-step emergency procedure: Find level ground and check the dipstick on a cold engine, wiping it clean with a tissue three times for an accurate reading; If it's just touching the minimum mark, immediately go to the nearest auto parts store to buy a 1L bottle of engine oil; When pouring, don't exceed the maximum mark, and after topping up, drive to a professional shop to check for leaks. Remember, all factory manuals state that high-speed driving is prohibited when oil is at the minimum level.
