What are the effects of low engine oil?
3 Answers
Engine oil deficiency can lead to the following impacts: 1. Poor lubrication in splash lubrication areas inside the engine; 2. When oil pressure drops too low due to insufficient oil, it can cause abnormal operation of the engine's variable timing solenoid valve, leading to inaccurate control of the engine's intake and exhaust valves, resulting in abnormal operation, reduced power, and increased fuel consumption; 3. When oil pressure drops too low due to insufficient oil, it can cause poor lubrication on the engine's friction surfaces, leading to abnormal vibrations, reduced power, and in severe cases, engine bearing seizure. Engine bearing seizure refers to the burning of the crankshaft bearings and bearing bushings due to poor lubrication, manifesting as abnormal engine vibrations until the engine stalls, after which the engine will not be able to restart.
I've also experienced engine oil shortage before, and the impact was quite significant. When oil is insufficient, the lubrication effect deteriorates, increasing friction between engine components like pistons and crankshafts, accelerating wear. Over time, the engine noise becomes louder, and you may feel more vibration while driving. Worse yet, engine oil helps with heat dissipation, and a lack of it can raise engine temperature, posing greater risks during long summer drives. If the oil pressure drops too low, the oil warning light on the dashboard may come on, reminding you to act quickly. If you delay refilling for too long, it could lead to cylinder scoring or even engine seizure, costing thousands in repairs. That's why I've developed a habit of checking the dipstick monthly when the engine is cold, ensuring the oil level stays within the recommended range. If it’s low, I top it up promptly to prevent minor issues from turning into major disasters. Regular maintenance is also crucial—following the manual’s oil change intervals makes the car much more durable.
My friend's car had some issues last time, the engine was low on oil, and it ended up making noise as loud as a tractor. Low oil mainly affects lubrication, increasing friction between internal parts and accelerating wear, especially during high-speed driving where component friction generates severe heat. Prolonged conditions like this can significantly shorten the car's lifespan. It can also cause the engine temperature to rise, increasing the risk of overheating. If oil pressure drops, the warning light might flash. Later, after he topped up the oil and drove again, the noise reduced. This made me realize that before driving at high speeds or going on long trips, it's best to check if the oil level is sufficient. A new bottle of oil costs just a few dozen bucks, which is much cheaper than repairing an engine. Usually, when parked on level ground, pull out the dipstick to check the oil level—if it's too low, address it promptly. Developing this small habit can save a lot on repair costs and hassle.
