What are the consequences of engine oil shortage?
3 Answers
Engine oil shortage can lead to severe internal wear of the engine. In serious cases, it may cause the engine to be completely damaged beyond repair. When the oil is exhausted, the oil warning light on the car dashboard will flash to prompt a check of the oil condition. If ignored and the car continues to be driven, dry or semi-dry friction will occur between the engine cylinder and piston, accelerating the wear of parts. If there is a lack of oil, these components will directly contact and rub against each other. If this happens during high-speed operation, a large amount of heat will be instantly generated, which is harmful to the engine. If the engine temperature becomes too high, it may cause cylinder scoring, necessitating the replacement of an entirely new cylinder block.
Recently, I've encountered several cars with this same issue. The engine is low on oil, simply put, there's insufficient lubrication, which causes direct metal-to-metal friction between components. Increased friction generates heat rapidly, leading to rising temperatures. Critical parts like pistons and crankshafts lose lubrication and wear out quickly, resulting in cylinder scoring or bearing seizure. Noise levels rise noticeably, and power output drops significantly. In severe cases, the engine may overheat, potentially smoking or even catching fire. Repairs can be costly—minor fixes cost hundreds, while major overhauls with part replacements run into thousands. Make it a habit to check the dipstick before driving and stick to regular oil change maintenance to avoid trouble. Don't wait for problems to occur before taking action.
I have a neighbor whose car was low on engine oil and he didn't notice it. While driving, the engine started making a clicking sound. Upon inspection, it was found that the oil level was almost empty. As a result, the cylinders were worn out and components were damaged. Without lubrication, friction increased, causing the engine temperature to skyrocket, which can reduce the engine's lifespan. He spent thousands on replacing parts during the repair. While driving, he felt the acceleration was sluggish and fuel consumption increased. It's recommended to check the oil level monthly to ensure it's within the scale marks. Regular oil changes can protect the engine.
