What Happens When Engine Oil is Low?
1 Answers
Low engine oil can have the following effects on a vehicle: 1. Insufficient oil may cause cylinder scoring. 2. Too little oil leads to poor lubrication, accelerating component wear, while too much oil increases operational resistance. When the oil level in the engine oil pan is insufficient, bearings and journals may suffer from inadequate lubrication due to the low oil volume, leading to increased wear and even severe failures like bearing seizure or crankshaft locking. Below are the functions of engine oil: 1. Lubrication: Engine oil forms a protective film between the piston and cylinder, reducing friction. 2. Sealing: The oil film prevents gas and oil leaks. 3. Cleaning: Circulating oil carries away carbon deposits, sludge, and wear particles from engine components back to the oil pan. 4. Rust and corrosion prevention: The oil film shields parts from moisture and air, preventing rust and corrosion. 5. Cooling: Circulating oil helps dissipate some of the engine's heat.