What happens if the engine oil is insufficient?
2 Answers
Insufficient engine oil will result in poor lubrication of various component surfaces, increasing frictional resistance and exacerbating component wear. Severe lubrication issues can cause engine overheating, leading to serious mechanical failures in major moving parts, affecting engine lifespan, or even causing complete failure. Engine oil serves multiple functions including lubrication and friction reduction, auxiliary cooling, sealing and leak prevention, rust and corrosion protection, as well as shock absorption. Low oil pressure can severely damage the engine in a short period. For example, prolonged poor lubrication of cylinder walls may lead to cylinder scuffing; insufficient lubrication of crankshaft main bearings or connecting rod bearings may result in bearing seizure or even crankshaft seizure in severe cases.
After running this repair shop for so many years, I've seen plenty of cases of insufficient engine oil, and it's no trivial matter. When oil levels drop, lubrication inside the engine can't keep up, causing increased friction between metal components. Over time, this leads to severe wear and rising temperatures that may cause overheating and expansion. The worst-case scenario is when oil pressure drops—many drivers ignore the dashboard warning light and keep driving, which can result in cylinder scoring or seizure, potentially totaling the engine and requiring costly overhauls. My advice to car owners: check the dipstick every 5,000 kilometers or monthly. If the oil level hits the minimum mark, top it up immediately. Don't cut corners—engine maintenance is absolutely critical.
