How Long Can You Drive with Insufficient Engine Oil?
2 Answers
When the engine oil is insufficient, the distance a car can still drive depends on the vehicle's displacement, but it is necessary to add oil promptly to avoid engine bearing seizure. Engine oil can be divided into two types: mineral oil and synthetic oil. As a lubricant for the engine, it needs to have certain oxidation resistance, corrosion resistance, and appropriate viscosity. Engine oil can be classified by viscosity. For example, in the 10w40 model oil, W stands for winter, the number before W represents the oil's flow performance at low temperatures, and the smaller the number, the better the car's starting performance at low temperatures. The number after W indicates the oil's stability at high temperatures, and the larger the number, the better the oil's high-temperature stability.
I once made a near-fatal mistake when encountering a low engine oil warning – I kept driving for half an hour after the light came on, and the engine ended up smoking. It cost me over 5,000 yuan at the repair shop. Engine oil is the lubricant that protects your engine; insufficient oil leads to high-temperature friction, which can cause part wear at best or complete seizure and engine failure at worst. The key is assessing the severity of the shortage: if it's just slightly below the minimum line, you might cautiously drive a few kilometers to a gas station at low speed. However, if the oil level is critically low or you ignore the warning light, you risk cylinder scoring or engine seizure within minutes, especially on highways. Never take the risk – most issues stem from oil leaks or delayed oil changes. My advice: check the dipstick regularly, maintain oil levels at the midpoint, and always inspect before long trips. Safety first!
