What are the symptoms of a car running out of engine oil?
4 Answers
The symptoms of a car running out of engine oil: 1. Poor lubrication in the splash lubrication areas inside the engine; 2. When the oil level drops to the point of causing low oil pressure, it leads to inadequate lubrication on the engine's friction surfaces, resulting in abnormal vibrations, reduced power, and in severe cases, may cause engine bearing seizure; 3. The engine's variable timing solenoid valve may malfunction, preventing precise control of the engine's intake and exhaust valves, leading to operational abnormalities, decreased power, and increased fuel consumption. When low oil pressure is detected, the vehicle should be stopped and the engine turned off immediately to avoid irreversible damage. Simultaneously, contact a 4S shop for roadside assistance and necessary inspection and repairs.
After driving for so many years, what I fear the most is the issue of insufficient engine oil. The most common symptom is the engine making a clunking metal friction sound, as if something is knocking inside, because without lubrication, the components are grinding against each other dry. Then the oil pressure warning light on the dashboard will immediately light up, flashing red to alert you that something is wrong. The engine temperature will also rise rapidly, becoming extremely hot, and you might even smell burning oil from under the hood. The car's power will noticeably drop, and pressing the accelerator won't make it accelerate. If you continue driving, it might stall or start smoking. Eventually, it could completely break down. I always check the dipstick before driving to avoid such disasters. Regular maintenance and timely oil top-ups are the secrets to saving money—don't wait until there's a problem to regret it.
Once when I was on a business trip, I forgot to change the engine oil. The car suddenly started making constant clanking noises, as if screws were rattling around. The oil pressure light on the dashboard came on, and I thought it was no big deal. After a while, the engine got so hot it started smoking, and a strange smell seeped into the car. I quickly pulled over and checked the dipstick only to find it was completely dry. That incident nearly made me late for a major deal—a hard lesson learned. Now when I see these symptoms—noises, warning lights, smoke—I know it means low oil. Beginners should get into the habit of checking oil levels monthly; don’t be careless like I was. Always keep a spare bottle of oil in the car for emergencies to avoid getting stranded on the road.
When the engine oil is severely insufficient, I can hear the engine making a grinding noise as parts rub against each other under high temperatures. The oil pressure light is always the first to come on, signaling the problem. The engine quickly overheats, with the temperature gauge jumping into the red zone, possibly emitting blue or black smoke. The car loses power, accelerates sluggishly, and feels sluggish when pressing the accelerator. Over time, parts can burn out, leading to costly repairs of several thousand dollars. Stopping and checking in time can save the engine. I regularly change the oil and filter, which are basic maintenance tasks that should not be overlooked.
