What are the effects of low engine oil in a car?
2 Answers
Effects of low engine oil on a car: 1. Insufficient oil can cause cylinder scoring; 2. Too little oil will lead to poor lubrication, resulting in component wear; 3. When the oil level in the engine oil pan is too low, bearings and journals may experience inadequate lubrication due to the lack of oil, accelerating wear and even causing issues like bearing seizure or crankshaft seizure. The oil level in the engine oil pan should be maintained between the upper and lower marks on the dipstick. Functions of engine oil: 1. Lubrication: Maintains smooth operation between cylinders and pistons, reducing friction between components and minimizing wear; 2. Cooling: Assists the cooling system in lowering the temperature of the engine's internal environment to some extent; 3. Cleaning: Removes sludge, carbon deposits, and other impurities attached to engine parts; 4. Sealing: Seals gases within the engine pistons and piston rings, reducing the entry of external contaminants.
I once experienced a severe lack of engine oil while driving on the highway, and it was absolutely terrifying—the engine noise suddenly roared like thunder, the power dropped instantly, and even climbing a small slope became a struggle. Later, the mechanic told me that insufficient oil leads to poor lubrication, increased friction between engine components, and a temperature spike of dozens of degrees. Prolonged exposure to this condition can cause internal engine parts to wear and deform, with repair costs ranging from thousands to tens of thousands. Even worse, fuel consumption inexplicably increases, wasting money for no reason. Now, I’ve developed a habit: every two weeks, I park on level ground, wait for the engine to cool, and check the oil level with the dipstick to ensure it’s between MIN and MAX. If it’s low, I top it up with fresh oil, and if there’s a leak, I seal it promptly. This simple routine takes little effort but prevents the risk of breaking down mid-journey and extends my car’s lifespan.
