What Happens When a Car is Low on Engine Oil?
1 Answers
Insufficient engine oil in a car can lead to inadequate lubrication of the engine, which increases engine wear. If the engine runs low on oil for an extended period, it may result in engine failure. Engine oil, also known as motor oil or engine lubricant, is a substance enhanced with additives in a base oil, primarily containing anti-wear additives, detergents, dispersants, and multi-grade viscosity index improvers. The main functions of engine oil are to reduce friction and wear on moving parts, remove sludge (one of the functions of dispersants) and varnish (function of detergents) from the engine. It also neutralizes acids produced from fuel and lubricant oxidation (function of detergents), improves piston ring sealing, and cools the engine by carrying away heat from moving parts.