Can You Still Drive with Increased Engine Oil?
3 Answers
You cannot drive with increased engine oil. If your car experiences an increase in engine oil, you should stop using it. After this occurs, you should check the cause of the oil increase and only continue using the vehicle after the issue has been repaired. Here is an introduction to the use of engine oil in cars: 1. Oil Level. The engine oil level in a car should not fall below the min mark on the dipstick or exceed the max mark on the dipstick, as both scenarios can affect the normal operation of the engine. 2. Environmental Changes. Increased engine oil is also known as oil dilution. Under normal conditions, as the engine temperature rises, any mixed-in fuel will evaporate and re-enter the combustion chamber through the PCV valve for burning. However, if you drive short distances in low-temperature environments, the engine may not warm up sufficiently, preventing the mixed-in fuel from fully evaporating and leading to increased engine oil.
Last year while driving, I noticed the engine oil level had increased and thought it was a good thing. Later, the engine started making loud noises and lost power, and I realized the trouble was serious. Oil dilution usually happens due to coolant mixing in or gasoline seeping into the oil, which can lead to insufficient engine lubrication and potential damage to pistons or crankshafts. At the time, unaware of the issue, I continued driving for over a week, resulting in complete engine failure and repair costs exceeding tens of thousands of yuan. Now I’ve learned my lesson—if the oil level rises, I never drive further and immediately stop to check the oil level and color. If it appears milky or smells like gasoline, the car must be towed to a repair shop. Regular maintenance should include close monitoring of oil condition, especially during seasonal transitions between winter and summer when such issues are more common. Avoiding frequent short-distance driving can also reduce risks. Safety should always come first.
Don't drive casually with too much engine oil! With over a decade of repair experience, I've seen this issue countless times. Excessive oil isn't good—it's mainly caused by fuel leaking into the oil tank or coolant leakage, which dilutes the oil and reduces its lubricating effect. If you drive, engine friction increases, leading to minor issues like stalling or major problems like engine damage. The best approach is to shut off the engine immediately, check the oil dipstick for viscosity, and if abnormal, don't move the car—call for a tow to the shop for inspection. You can first check if the coolant level has dropped. Repairs usually involve changing the oil and locating leaks—don't hesitate, safety is more important than convenience. Develop a habit of checking oil regularly to extend your car's lifespan.
