What symptoms will occur when the engine is low on oil?
2 Answers
Engine symptoms when low on oil: 1. Poor lubrication in splash lubrication areas inside the engine; 2. When oil pressure drops too low due to insufficient oil, it will cause poor lubrication on the engine's friction surfaces, leading to abnormal vibrations, reduced power, and in severe cases, may even cause engine bearing seizure. The specific manifestation is abnormal engine vibrations until stalling, after which the engine cannot be restarted; 3. When oil pressure drops too low due to insufficient oil, it can also cause abnormal operation of the engine's variable timing solenoid valve, resulting in inability to precisely control the engine's intake and exhaust valves, leading to operational abnormalities, reduced power, and increased fuel consumption.
I remember that time when I was driving my old car, the engine suddenly started making a clanking noise, like metal grinding against metal, which was particularly harsh. Then the car gradually lost power, and when I stepped on the gas, the engine seemed to struggle. After stopping, I saw the oil warning light was on. These symptoms are quite common, mainly due to low oil levels, causing bearings and pistons to lack lubrication, increasing friction and leading to overheating. The engine might also emit smoke and feel hot to the touch. If left untreated, it could destroy the entire engine, with repair costs running into thousands. It's best to check the oil level regularly before driving to avoid major trouble.