What happens if the engine oil is low?

[RosalieMarie]

Insufficient engine oil will increase engine wear. If the oil level remains low for an extended period, the engine may experience severe burning and eventually become damaged, leading to operational failure. When the oil level in the engine oil pan is insufficient, components such as bearings and journals may suffer from poor lubrication due to the lack of oil, accelerating wear and potentially causing serious failures like bearing seizure or crankshaft seizure. An engine is a machine that converts other forms of energy into mechanical energy, with gasoline engines specifically transforming chemical energy into mechanical power. The engine's cooling system absorbs heat from components, ensuring the engine operates at an optimal temperature and maintaining its working temperature.

[VanBrooke]

I remember last time when I was driving, the engine suddenly made a strange ticking sound, and a warning light came on the dashboard. I quickly pulled over to check the dipstick, only to find the oil level was alarmingly low. Later, the mechanic told me that insufficient oil would cause dry friction between engine components, accelerating wear on piston rings and cylinder walls. In severe cases, it could even lead to cylinder scoring or complete engine failure. Moreover, low oil levels also impair heat dissipation, causing the engine to overheat and deform. Now I've developed a habit of regularly checking the oil, especially before long trips—always take a quick look. Never delay until the next service just to save money or out of laziness, otherwise repairing the engine could cost a fortune, almost totaling my car.

[DiMichael]

As auto repair professionals, we dread seeing cars come in for engine overhauls only to find them full of metal shavings once opened up. When oil levels are insufficient, precision components like crankshaft bearings and connecting rod bearings suffer first, developing scratches or even burn marks. The entire lubrication system fails, and the oil pump can be damaged from running dry without sufficient oil supply. Even worse is sludge buildup – I've seen engines completely clogged with black sludge. Typically, when the oil warning light comes on, at least 1 liter is already missing. Driving another hundred kilometers in this condition could lead to seized bearings. We recommend checking the dipstick every 5,000 kilometers. If the level is below the minimum mark, immediately top up with the same oil specification – don't believe those maintenance-free claims.

[VonBennett]

Veteran driver's advice: If the engine oil is low, the engine noise immediately becomes louder, and you can hear the screeching sound of metal friction. The car feels sluggish and consumes more fuel because the resistance of piston movement increases. The temperature gauge also rises faster than usual. Once, while driving on a mountain road, the coolant temperature warning light came on, and when I got out to check, the engine oil was almost empty. The most dangerous situation is sudden loss of pressure causing the bearing shells to seize, which would require calling a tow truck. Don’t just wait for the 5,000-kilometer maintenance cycle—especially for older models, pay extra attention to oil consumption. Keeping a small bottle of engine oil in the trunk is definitely worth it.

[WestonDella]

Last month, during my novice period, I made a mistake. While driving on the highway, the engine fault light suddenly started flashing, which scared me into making an emergency stop at a service area. The mechanic said there was only half a liter of oil left, and if I had continued driving, the connecting rod bearings would have melted and seized the engine. He opened the oil pan to show me metal shavings that looked like sand. Lack of oil not only damages piston rings but also clogs oil nozzles, and even the chain tensioner was stuck. Now I always remember the inspection tips taught by the mechanic: when the engine is cold, pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, and reinsert it. The oil level should be at two-thirds between the upper and lower marks for the safest condition, and measurements on inclined roads are inaccurate.