What to Do When Your Car Runs Out of Oil on the Highway?
3 Answers
Safely pull over to the emergency parking lane, use your phone to locate nearby gas stations, and contact them to deliver oil to your location. After parking, call a friend, provide them with your exact location, and ask them to bring oil to you. You can also call a tow truck to tow your car to a gas station, although towing fees are usually quite high. Alternatively, you can ask a friend to help tow your car to a gas station.
Last time I was driving on the highway, the oil pressure warning light suddenly came on, which was no small matter. I immediately slowed down, turned on the turn signal, pulled over to the emergency lane, and activated the hazard lights. Before getting out of the car, I made sure there were no vehicles approaching in the rearview mirror and put on a reflective vest. When I checked the dipstick, if the oil level was below the minimum mark, I knew I must not restart the engine, as high-temperature friction could damage the pistons and cylinder walls within minutes. Without spare oil on hand, I took out my phone to call for assistance, contacting either my insurance company or the highway service hotline to arrange a tow truck. Towing fees aren't expensive, usually just a few hundred yuan, but engine repairs can cost tens of thousands. Remember, safety comes first—don't take risks by continuing to drive, and changing lanes is even more dangerous. Make it a habit to check oil levels before every long trip to avoid such troubles.
From my experience, prevention is the most important thing. Every time I refuel or before heading onto the highway, I make it a habit to pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, and reinsert it to check the oil level. If the oil level is too low, I add a bottle of spare oil—just keep a small container of full synthetic oil in the car, but don’t exceed the MAX line, as too much oil can harm the engine. Regular maintenance is also crucial—follow the manual for oil change intervals, usually every 5,000 kilometers or six months. This ensures proper lubrication of components and reduces the risk of sudden breakdowns on the highway. If you actually run out of oil on the highway, pull over safely, check the dipstick to confirm, and if there’s no oil left, don’t try to drive further—the engine can seize in just a few minutes without oil. Keep your phone ready and call a towing service—it’s safer to let professionals handle it. This habit has helped me avoid several incidents—small details make a big difference in safety.
