What Happens When a Car is Low on Engine Oil?

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When a car is low on engine oil, it can lead to insufficient lubrication of the engine's friction surfaces, resulting in abnormal vibrations and reduced power. In severe cases, it may even cause engine bearing failure (commonly known as 'engine bearing seizure'). Engine bearing seizure refers to the burning and erosion of the crankshaft bearings and bearing bushings due to poor lubrication, manifesting as abnormal engine vibrations until the engine stalls. Here are some details about engine oil: 1. Engine oil, also known as engine lubricant (English name: Engine-oil), has a density of approximately 0.91×10³ (kg/m³). It serves multiple functions such as lubrication and friction reduction, auxiliary cooling, sealing and leak prevention, rust and corrosion protection, and shock absorption. It is often referred to as the 'lifeblood' of a car. 2. Engine oil consists of two main components: base oil and additives. The base oil is the primary constituent of the lubricant, determining its fundamental properties, while the additives compensate for and enhance the performance shortcomings of the base oil, imparting new characteristics. Additives are a crucial part of engine oil.