What problems will occur if the engine oil is low?
2 Answers
Problems that may occur if the engine oil is low include: 1. Engine cylinder scoring, crankshaft and bearing damage, abnormal wear of some components; 2. Engine failure and inability to operate; 3. Insufficient engine lubrication leading to increased wear; 4. Engine oil level warning light illumination; 5. Abnormal valve noise. Engine oil is a lubricant that serves multiple functions including lubrication and friction reduction, auxiliary cooling, sealing and leak prevention, rust and corrosion protection, as well as shock absorption. Engine oil consists of base oil and additives. The base oil is the main component of the lubricant, determining its fundamental properties, while additives compensate for and improve the deficiencies of the base oil, imparting new characteristics and forming an essential part of the lubricant.
I always think of engine oil as the blood of the engine—too little can cause serious damage to the car. First, it leads to insufficient lubrication, increasing friction between components, causing the pistons and crankshaft to grind against each other, accelerating wear. In severe cases, it may even scratch the engine internals. At this point, you might hear abnormal metal grinding or knocking sounds. Worse, low oil levels raise oil temperatures, and poor heat dissipation can cause the engine to overheat. Prolonged overheating may lead to boiling or part deformation. If oil pressure drops too low, the dashboard warning light will illuminate, and ignoring it could result in a breakdown mid-drive. I remember working on a car once where the owner neglected to top up the oil for a long time, and eventually, the entire engine was ruined. That’s why developing a habit of regularly checking the oil level is crucial—it protects the engine’s lifespan.
