What are the effects of insufficient engine oil on the engine?
2 Answers
Insufficient engine oil can have the following effects on the engine: 1. Increased internal power loss in the engine; 2. More oil splashing onto the cylinder walls, leading to oil burning issues; 3. Engine cylinder scuffing; 4. Poor lubrication in contact areas such as bearings and journals due to low oil levels, accelerating wear and potentially causing failures like bearing seizure or shaft locking. Correct steps to check engine oil level: 1. Park the vehicle on a flat surface, turn off the engine, and wait for 15 minutes to allow the oil to drain back into the oil pan; 2. First, remove the dipstick, wipe it clean, and slowly reinsert it, ensuring it reaches the bottom of the oil pan; 3. Remove the dipstick again to check the oil level. If the oil level is between the upper and lower marks on the dipstick, it is normal. If it is above the upper mark, some oil needs to be drained. If the oil level is below the lower mark, the appropriate amount of oil should be added.
I've been driving for 20 years and experienced the issue of insufficient engine oil. At that time, I neglected to check the dipstick, resulting in increasingly loud engine noise that sounded as unpleasant as a tractor. This was because the oil level was too low, leading to inadequate lubrication. The friction between components increased significantly, accelerating wear on critical parts like pistons and bearings. The engine overheated severely and even risked bearing seizure. When I finally took it for repairs, they found multiple damaged components, costing nearly 10,000 yuan to fix - a heartbreaking expense. Since then, I've developed the habit of checking the oil level monthly. Just inspect the dipstick when the engine is cold, ensuring it's between the L and H marks. If it's too low, top it up or go straight to the shop for an oil change. Engine oil is the lifeblood of your motor. Proper maintenance ensures engine health and extends your vehicle's lifespan. Don't repeat my lazy mistake - a small oversight can cause major trouble. Especially before long-distance drives, always check to ensure safety.
