What is the warning sign for no engine oil in a car?
3 Answers
When a car is low on engine oil, it will display an oil can dripping symbol. The engine oil warning light indicates the oil level and pressure status inside the engine, and is typically red or yellow in color. Relevant information about engine oil is as follows: 1. Introduction: Engine oil, also known as engine lubricant (English name: Engine-oil), with a density of approximately 0.91×10³ (kg/m³), serves to lubricate and reduce friction, assist in cooling, seal against leaks, prevent rust and corrosion, and provide shock absorption for the engine. It is often referred to as the "blood" of a car. 2. Composition: Engine oil consists of base oil and additives. The base oil is the primary component of lubricating oil, determining its fundamental properties, while additives compensate for and improve any deficiencies in the base oil's performance, imparting new characteristics, making them an essential part of lubricating oil.
The signs of a car running low on oil are actually quite obvious. The most common one is the small oil can icon lighting up on the dashboard—it looks like a little alarm, indicating that the oil level is too low or the pressure is insufficient. I've seen many such cases when repairing cars. If ignored, the engine noise can become very loud, like a knocking sound, as if the engine is struggling. Another symptom is that the car feels sluggish when driving, lacks power going uphill, and suddenly consumes more fuel. This is mainly because there's too little oil, increasing friction and making engine components more prone to damage. You can do a simple check yourself: after turning off the engine, wait a few minutes, pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it, and then pull it out again. If the oil level is at the low mark, it means the oil is low. Just top it up, but it's best not to delay too long, or you might need a major repair. Regular car maintenance habits are crucial—I recommend checking the oil every two to three months, especially for older cars. Addressing these small issues promptly can save a lot of money.
I once experienced a situation where my car ran out of engine oil shortly after driving. That day, as soon as I started the car, the engine sounded unusually noisy, like a metal bucket rattling, and an oil can-shaped warning light on the dashboard lit up, glaring yellow. Panicked, I immediately pulled over to check. Opening the hood, I confirmed the oil level was low, and there were slight traces of leakage. This warning light was not only eye-catching but also taught me not to ignore small changes in my car. When oil is low, the car makes rough noises upon starting, loses power, and accelerates as slowly as a snail—prompt action is needed when the dashboard light comes on. Later, I learned to regularly check the oil level using the dipstick: when the engine is cold, pull out the dipstick, wipe off the old oil, reinsert it, then pull it out again to see if the level is between the min and max marks. Adding a bit of new oil can solve the problem, but don't just pour any oil in—use the type specified by the manufacturer. After adopting this habit, my car's condition improved significantly, saving me a lot of trouble.
