What are the effects of insufficient engine oil?
2 Answers
The effects of insufficient engine oil are: When the oil level in the engine oil pan is too low, friction between bearings and journals may experience poor lubrication due to the lack of oil, leading to increased wear and even causing bearing seizure accidents. Conversely, if there is too much oil, the crankshaft and connecting rod big ends will create excessive agitation during operation, not only increasing internal power loss but also raising the risk of oil burning issues due to excessive oil splashing onto the cylinder walls. Therefore, the oil level in the engine oil pan should be maintained between the upper and lower marks on the dipstick. Engine oil is often referred to as the lifeblood of the engine, as it performs crucial functions such as lubrication, cleaning, sealing, heat dissipation, cushioning, and rust prevention within the engine.
Last time I added too little engine oil to my car, and it felt like the engine was particularly noisy when driving, as if something was scraping. Insufficient oil reduces lubrication inside the engine, increases friction, accelerates component wear, and prolonged overheating may even cause engine damage. Once, while driving on a mountain road, the temperature gauge shot up, nearly causing a blown head gasket. Later, a check revealed significant wear on the piston rings, costing thousands to repair. Now I understand the importance of regularly checking the dipstick—usually once a month—to ensure the oil level stays above the minimum mark. If it's low, top it up promptly to avoid harming the car. Remember, engine oil is like blood; too little, and no one can handle it.
