What happens if the car engine oil is insufficient?
2 Answers
The effects of insufficient engine oil are: 1. It may cause cylinder scoring; 2. It leads to poor lubrication, resulting in mechanical wear, while excessive oil can increase operational resistance. The functions of engine oil include lubricating and reducing friction, assisting in cooling, sealing to prevent leaks, preventing rust and corrosion, and cushioning vibrations. The consequences of not changing engine oil for a long time are: 1. The oil becomes ineffective and deteriorates, increasing wear and damage to mechanical parts; 2. The sealing effect is reduced, causing the oil to become watery and lose its sealing function; 3. The cooling effect is diminished; 4. Sediment buildup can corrode internal components; 5. The lubrication performance of bearings and the cooling function of mechanical transmission parts are lost, affecting the vehicle's optimal driving condition; 6. It can damage the engine; 7. Sludge may form, leading to engine failure.
I once experienced a situation with insufficient engine oil, and it was really troublesome. At first, I noticed that the engine noise was particularly loud, and the sound while driving was unusually harsh. It turns out that engine oil is like the lifeblood of the engine—without enough of it, lubrication suffers, and metal components rub against each other, accelerating wear. Over time, the engine can easily overheat, and the temperature can skyrocket. I personally encountered the overheating warning light coming on. Even more seriously, the pistons could seize or the bearing shells could burn out, leading to complete engine failure, which could cost thousands or even tens of thousands to repair. So now, I’ve developed the habit of checking the oil dipstick every 5,000 kilometers to ensure the oil level is within the normal range. If I find it low, I immediately top it up with the same type of oil—no waiting for small issues to turn into major problems. Remember, regular maintenance saves both hassle and effort.
