What are the signs of severe engine oil shortage in a car?
3 Answers
When the engine lacks oil, the oil warning light will first illuminate. If the situation is severe, the vehicle may experience shaking. You should immediately pull over and turn off the engine, otherwise there is a risk of engine failure, and professional assistance should be sought. Engine oil performs multiple functions within the engine, including lubrication, cleaning, sealing, and cooling. When the engine is low on oil, the following symptoms may occur: Poor lubrication of the engine's friction surfaces: This can lead to abnormal shaking, reduced power, and in severe cases, may cause engine "bearing seizure." Engine "bearing seizure" refers to the burning and erosion of the crankshaft bearings and bearing bushings due to insufficient lubrication, which manifests as abnormal engine shaking until the engine stalls. After stalling, the engine will not be able to restart. Malfunction of the engine's variable timing solenoid valve: This can result in the inability to precisely control the engine's intake and exhaust valves, leading to operational abnormalities, reduced power, and increased fuel consumption, among other symptoms.
I've always driven older cars and usually pay attention to the engine condition. Before severe oil shortage occurs, the most obvious signs are increased engine noise, like drumming sounds, especially a harsh noise during acceleration. Secondly, the temperature gauge rises quickly, you can feel heat coming from the front of the car, and the engine cover feels scalding hot when opened after parking. There's also noticeable power loss during acceleration, making it difficult to climb hills or overtake. The dashboard may show an oil warning light, though sometimes it comes on too late. Occasionally, you might see some blue or black smoke from the exhaust pipe. These are all signs of oil shortage. Once noticed, stop immediately to check the oil dipstick. If the level is too low, top up or change the oil, otherwise the engine could get damaged. I learned this the hard way, so now I check the oil every week as a habit to protect my beloved car's lifespan.
My new car has a smart system. When the engine oil is low, a yellow warning light will appear on the dashboard, and a prompt message will be displayed on the central control screen. While driving, I noticed the engine sounds muffled and buzzing, especially more noticeable during low-speed turns. The car body sometimes shakes slightly, and there is a vibration sensation in the steering wheel. The fuel consumption suddenly increased, and the fuel gauge drops quickly. The acceleration response is sluggish, and gear shifts feel jerky. Paying attention to these changes in time, checking the diagnostic codes via the mobile app, or directly going to the 4S store for an oil check can prevent engine damage. I usually make it a habit to check the oil dipstick before cold starts—just a few seconds can prevent major issues. Safety comes first.
