What Happens When a Car Lacks Engine Oil?
4 Answers
When a car lacks engine oil, the following situations may occur: 1. The engine noise increases; 2. It may cause high water temperature, valve noise, knocking sound, cylinder scoring, and damage to the mechanical parts of the engine. Here are the functions of engine oil: 1. It allows sliding between the piston and cylinder, as well as between the crankshaft and bearings, preventing part wear; 2. Assists in cooling and temperature reduction; 3. Cleans carbon deposits and sludge from engine components; 4. Seals to prevent leaks, stopping gas leakage and the entry of external contaminants; 5. Prevents rust and corrosion; 6. Provides shock absorption and cushioning; 7. Offers anti-wear properties. Additional Information: The steps for changing engine oil are as follows: 1. Lift the car, remove the undercover, and place a container of about 10 liters under the oil drain plug; 2. Unscrew the drain plug, use an air gun to blow for two minutes at the oil filler port, then tighten the drain plug after the oil is fully drained and check for leaks with a tissue; 3. Reinstall the undercover, lower the car, and use a funnel to add new oil through the filler port.
Last time I was driving, the oil warning light suddenly came on, and then the engine started making a strange clicking noise, and accelerating became particularly difficult. When I took it to the repair shop, they found that both the piston rings and cylinder walls were scratched. The mechanic said engine oil is like the blood of the engine - once it's insufficient, metal parts grind dry, and high temperatures can even cause bearing shells to melt. That major repair cost me over 5,000 yuan and left me without a car for a week. Now I've developed the habit of checking the dipstick every month - pulling it out when the engine is cold, wiping it clean, and then checking to ensure the level is between the upper and lower marks. If I ever notice oil leaks or unusually fast consumption, I investigate immediately to prevent small issues from turning into big problems.
As a seasoned driver, I've seen many cars break down due to low engine oil. At best, the engine noise increases and fuel consumption soars; at worst, the engine seizes and stalls. Especially in turbocharged models, the bearings can burn out instantly. In fact, engine oil not only lubricates but also carries away impurities and heat. Running low on oil is like letting the engine run naked. Before every long trip, I always check the oil level. If it's below the minimum mark, I top it up immediately. Don't wait for the dashboard warning light to come on—by then, the damage is already done. Also, don't stretch the oil change intervals too far. Full synthetic oil usually degrades after about 7,000 to 8,000 kilometers. When it's time to change, don't hesitate to spend the small amount of money needed.
The most obvious sign of insufficient engine oil is that the engine sound becomes rough, like sandpaper rubbing. The power output also becomes jerky, especially when climbing hills, it feels particularly strenuous. Short trips might just burn a bit more oil, but running at high speeds is dangerous—I've personally seen cases where the connecting rod punctured the cylinder block. Daily checks should include observing whether the exhaust pipe emits blue smoke, which is a sign of burning oil. During maintenance, focus on inspecting the valve stem seals and piston rings, as aging in these areas most easily leads to abnormal oil consumption. Maintaining the proper oil level is key to ensuring the engine's longevity.
