What does it mean when a Volvo S80 displays low engine oil level?
2 Answers
When a Volvo S80 displays low engine oil level, it means the car has insufficient engine oil. Overview of engine oil: Engine oil, also known as engine lubricant (English name: Engine-oil), serves multiple functions for the engine including lubrication and friction reduction, auxiliary cooling, sealing and leak prevention, rust and corrosion protection, as well as shock absorption. Composition of engine oil: Engine oil consists of two main components: base oil and additives. The base oil is the primary constituent of lubricating oil, determining its fundamental properties. Additives are used to compensate for and improve any deficiencies in the base oil's performance, while also imparting new characteristics, making them an essential part of lubricating oil.
Yesterday while driving my S80, the dashboard suddenly displayed a low engine oil level warning, which gave me quite a scare. Later, my mechanic friend explained that this is an alert for insufficient engine oil, similar to how our body reminds us when dehydrated. Volvos are equipped with an oil level sensor that triggers an alarm when the oil pan level drops too low. Common causes are either oil burning or undetected leaks. My friend advised me to immediately pull over, turn off the engine, pull out the dipstick to wipe it clean and reinsert it fully to check. If the oil level is indeed below the minimum mark, I must add the same specification oil immediately - never try to drive on like that. I remember this happened just 5,000km after my last service - turned out the piston ring seals were failing, causing abnormal oil consumption. The subsequent major repair cost me thousands, so this warning light should never be taken lightly.
