How Long Can You Drive Without Engine Oil?
3 Answers
When a car is out of engine oil, it is strongly advised not to continue driving. Continuing to drive can cause significant damage to the engine, which will worsen over time and result in more expensive repairs. Below are factors to consider when selecting engine oil and precautions for adding it: Factors for selecting engine oil: The choice depends on factors such as the vehicle model and engine type. The most basic criterion for selecting the oil grade is the vehicle model—consult the customer service or a repair shop when purchasing. Engine oil can also be chosen based on the engine's requirements. It is unnecessary to use high-grade oil in an engine with lower requirements, nor should low-grade oil be used in an engine with higher demands. If the engine is in good condition and the seasonal temperature is low, it is advisable to use oil with lower viscosity to ensure smooth oil flow. In high-temperature seasons or when the engine is severely worn, higher-viscosity oil helps form a protective film and reduces engine wear. Precautions for adding engine oil: Different types of engine oil should not be mixed. If switching from high-grade to regular oil, drain the existing oil completely and clean the lubrication system before adding new oil. The amount of oil added should be slightly below the maximum mark on the dipstick—avoid overfilling. Excessive oil can have adverse effects, such as increasing the crankshaft's rotational resistance, reducing engine output power, and causing oil to enter the combustion chamber and burn.
Oh man, this is definitely not something to gamble on! Running without engine oil is like forcing metal parts to grind against each other, which can destroy the engine in minutes. Last week, I saw a stubborn guy who kept driving even after his oil leaked out completely. In less than five kilometers, the engine started making terrible knocking noises like it was about to fall apart. When they opened it up at the repair shop: the bearing shells were completely melted, and the piston rings had scored the cylinder walls. The overhaul cost over 10,000 yuan. Honestly, as soon as the oil warning light comes on, you should pull over and turn off the engine. Otherwise, metal grinding against metal in the crankcase will produce shavings that can clog the entire lubrication system. If you absolutely must move the car in an emergency, go no more than a few hundred meters at the lowest possible RPM, but it’s honestly better to just call a tow truck—it’ll save you money in the long run. As a habit, always keep a spare bottle of oil in the trunk and check the dipstick when the engine is cold for peace of mind.
Driving without any engine oil? I've done that! Last year on my way to pick up my child, I noticed an oil leak and thought I could tough it out for just three or four kilometers. But after only two kilometers, the engine started screaming, and I was so scared that I immediately turned off the AC and coasted to the roadside. The mechanic said I was lucky—another half minute and the entire cylinder block would have seized up. Later, I learned that engine oil isn't just for lubrication; it also handles cooling, cleaning, and sealing. Without it, the piston rings and cylinder walls would grind directly against each other at temperatures of several hundred degrees Celsius, with metal wear rates hundreds of times higher than normal. Modern cars usually have an oil pressure warning light—if it turns red, you must stop immediately! If you need to move the car temporarily, the safest way is to put it in neutral and have someone push it, minimizing engine starts as much as possible.
