Can You Still Drive with Engine Oil Below 30%?
2 Answers
Engine oil volume below 30% is not suitable for driving; however, when the engine oil life is below 30%, you can continue to use the vehicle. Below is relevant information: Engine Oil: Engine oil, also known as engine lubricant (English name: Engine-oil), with a density of approximately 0.91×10 (kg/m³), serves to lubricate and reduce friction, assist in cooling, seal against leaks, prevent rust and corrosion, and provide shock absorption for the engine. It is often referred to as the 'blood' of the car. Engine oil consists of base oil and additives. By viscosity classification: 10W-40 represents its SAE standard viscosity value. This viscosity value first indicates that the oil is a multi-grade oil. 'W' stands for WINTER, and the number before 'W' represents the oil's flow performance at low temperatures—the smaller the number, the better the starting performance in cold conditions. The number after 'W' indicates the oil's stability at high temperatures (i.e., its tendency to thin out)—the larger the number, the better the oil's high-temperature stability.
I think this issue needs to be analyzed in two parts. If the engine oil is 30% below the standard, there are two scenarios: If the dashboard shows 30% remaining oil life, it means you can still drive for a few hundred kilometers, but you should schedule maintenance soon. The system calculates the oil life based on your driving habits—if you take many short trips, the oil may not have degraded as quickly. However, if you're referring to the oil level being 30% low, you absolutely must not drive. Last time, my friend's car was one-third low on oil, and after driving for just half an hour, the engine seized, costing over 5,000 for major repairs. In such cases, it's better to call a tow truck than to push your luck. Oil pan leaks or aging valve cover gaskets can cause abnormal oil loss, so the root cause must be investigated first.