How many kilometers can a car drive when the engine oil reaches the minimum level?
2 Answers
When the engine oil reaches the minimum level, the car can drive within 200 kilometers. If the oil warning light turns red, you should not continue driving. The functions of engine oil are: 1. To separate the surfaces of relatively sliding parts, thereby reducing wear; 2. To bring heat back to the oil tank and then dissipate it into the air to help the radiator cool the engine; 3. To circulate carbon deposits, sludge, and worn metal particles from engine parts back to the oil tank, flushing away dirt generated on the working surfaces of the parts through the flow of the lubricating oil. Signs that indicate the need for an oil change include: 1. Checking the oil viscosity—if there is no viscosity, the oil needs to be changed; 2. The oil color turns black; 3. Excessive black particles, metal shavings, or carbon deposits in the oil; 4. The oil smells unusual.
This is really not something to be taken lightly. I've personally seen engines ruined due to insufficient oil. When the dipstick reaches the minimum line, it means there's not enough oil to maintain proper lubrication. Continuing to drive is like letting the engine grind dry. If you absolutely must drive, you might make it a few kilometers to the nearest repair shop at most, but you'd have to keep an eye on the dashboard the whole time and keep the speed below 40 km/h. But I genuinely don't recommend taking the risk. Last year, my neighbor thought driving another ten kilometers would be fine, and ended up with piston seizure, costing over 8,000 yuan in repairs. The safest option is to stop immediately and call a tow truck—never gamble with your engine.
