What are the effects of insufficient engine oil?
4 Answers
The effects of insufficient engine oil are: 1. Causing damage to the engine cylinder block; 2. Burning out the crankshaft and bearing shells; 3. Poor lubrication on the surface of various components, increasing friction resistance. The method for adding engine oil is: 1. Use a jack to lift the vehicle, locate the drain plug and unscrew it to drain the oil; 2. Remove the oil filter and place a container underneath; 3. Replace with a new oil filter and add new oil. Engine oil, also known as engine lubricant, is composed of base oil and additives. Its functions include: 1. Reducing friction and high temperatures; 2. Cooling and lowering temperature; 3. Cleaning and purifying; 4. Damping and cushioning; 5. Preventing rust and corrosion.
I personally experienced an engine oil shortage issue with my own car. At that time, the engine noise was extremely loud, sounding like it was chewing on sand. Later I learned that insufficient oil causes direct metal-to-metal contact between engine components instead of being separated by oil film, which generates excessive heat and accelerates part wear. Over time, this can lead to bearing seizure or cylinder scoring, potentially causing complete engine failure. What's worse, fuel consumption also skyrockets because the engine loses efficiency and power. I remember that repair cost me several thousand yuan - it was heartbreaking. Now I've developed the habit of checking oil level every 500 kilometers using the dipstick - it's crystal clear at a glance. Never wait until the warning light comes on. The engine is the heart of a car, and engine oil is its guardian angel - this is the last thing you should neglect.
From my years of driving experience, insufficient engine oil is no small matter. As soon as the car starts, you can feel the noise increase, like metal scraping, which is really annoying. The reason is simple: inadequate oil lubrication leads to increased friction, causing temperatures to skyrocket and quickly damaging the cylinders and piston rings. The worst part is that if the oil level continues to drop, the engine might seize, suddenly stalling on the highway—now that's seriously dangerous. Additionally, the car's power will noticeably drop, making it struggle even on inclines. I recommend everyone check the oil level regularly—don't wait for problems to arise. When topping up, choose the right oil grade, like 5W-30, and also check for any signs of leaks. Address it early to avoid major repairs.
I'm someone who often tinkers with cars, and I've seen plenty of the effects of low engine oil. First, the engine starts making strange noises, like buzzing or knocking sounds. Then, the oil pressure light might come on, indicating poor lubrication. Once the oil level is low, the friction between components generates heat quickly, which can damage the crankshaft or valves—sometimes so severely that the entire engine needs replacing. I once saw a neighbor's car get scrapped because of this. It's a good practice to check the oil level every few weeks and keep it above the minimum line. If you notice it's low, top it up immediately and check the undercarriage for any leaks. Routine maintenance is simple—just don't slack off.
