How long can you drive without engine oil before cylinder scuffing occurs?
2 Answers
If a car idles without engine oil, it can run for about half an hour; if driven without oil on the road, it can last at most 15-20 minutes. Hazards of running without oil: Prolonged operation without engine oil can cause irreversible damage to the engine and even lead to complete engine failure. Causes of cylinder scuffing: Due to the high-speed operation of the car engine, the friction between the pistons and other metal parts inside the engine can reach working temperatures of 400 to 600 degrees Celsius. Without oil lubrication, dry friction occurs between components, and without effective cooling, driving without engine oil for just a few minutes can cause phenomena like bearing seizure and cylinder scuffing due to excessive temperatures. A slightly longer duration can even lead to seized cylinders and complete engine failure.
I'm an experienced driver and have witnessed many tragedies on the road. Once at a highway rest stop, I met a car owner who kept driving for half an hour after the oil light came on, and the engine ended up completely ruined. There's no fixed rule for engine seizure—it depends on the car's age, engine temperature, and speed at the time. When you first notice the oil is empty, you might have about five minutes before serious damage occurs. If you keep pressing the accelerator, the pistons and cylinder walls will grind dry, heat up, and within three to five minutes, the metal can fuse together, gouging deep grooves. A mechanic friend of mine has disassembled seized engines, and the insides look like plowed fields full of deep trenches. So don't even think about how much longer you can drive—if the oil warning light comes on, pull over and shut off the engine immediately. Otherwise, the cost of a major engine overhaul could buy you a used car. Remember, an engine is like a heart—running it without oil is like making someone run a marathon without water.
