What are the symptoms of no engine oil?
3 Answers
Symptoms of no engine oil: The oil light on the dashboard will illuminate, the water temperature will be high, the valves will make noise, and there will be knocking sounds in the engine. Continuing to drive without engine oil will significantly reduce lubrication effectiveness, and in severe cases, it can cause engine seizure due to lack of lubrication. The less oil there is, the more severe the consequences. When the engine is started again, dry or semi-dry friction will occur between the cylinder and piston, accelerating part wear. Additionally, the starting resistance will greatly increase, making it difficult to start. Engine oil is the lubricant for engine operation, providing lubrication, cleaning, cooling, sealing, and friction reduction. It plays a crucial role in reducing engine part wear and extending the engine's lifespan.
That day while driving, I suddenly heard a ticking noise. When I looked down, the oil light was on, so I quickly pulled over. When the oil level drops to a certain point, that warning light on the dashboard shaped like a little teapot will definitely flash red. If there’s no oil left at all, the metal parts inside the engine will grind dry. The most obvious symptom I’ve experienced was a lack of power during acceleration—stepping on the gas just made the car feel sluggish, and the exhaust was either unusually blue or white. The mechanic said that in such cases, internal parts are essentially damaging each other. Scratches on the piston rings and cylinder walls are minor issues; in severe cases, the bearings can seize up and completely ruin the engine. So whenever you see the oil light on, shut off the engine immediately and call for help—never gamble by trying to drive to the repair shop.
As a veteran truck driver, I've seen too many cases of running without engine oil. The most typical symptoms are a noticeable drop in power, and the engine sounds labored when climbing hills, like a panting ox. If you listen carefully, you can hear a metallic friction sound that gets more piercing as the RPM increases. Opening the hood reveals a burnt smell, and blue exhaust indicates oil has entered the combustion chamber. If you keep driving, the engine will either seize and stall or require a major overhaul due to cylinder scoring. A rookie in my fleet didn't know any better and drove five kilometers with no oil, resulting in a 28,000 yuan engine repair. Remember, when the red light on the dashboard comes on, it's the final warning—stop the vehicle to stay safe.
