
When the car is low on engine oil, the oil warning light on the dashboard will illuminate to alert the owner that the oil needs to be replaced promptly. The oil warning light is symbolized by an oil can dripping oil, typically in red or yellow, and it indicates both the oil level and pressure inside the engine. Precautions for using engine oil: When checking the oil dipstick, pay attention to whether the oil level is between the maximum and minimum limits. If the oil level is too high, it should be reduced promptly; otherwise, it can increase the pressure in the crankcase, accelerating the aging and deformation of oil seals, ultimately leading to oil leaks and affecting the engine's lifespan. If the oil level is too low, stop and add oil immediately or wait for assistance, as it can accelerate the wear of pistons and cylinder walls. When the oil is severely lacking, the engine will quickly experience cylinder scuffing and piston seizure due to insufficient lubrication, leading to severe engine damage. When selecting engine oil, consider the following precautions: Choose engine oil based on the engine's requirements. It is unnecessary to use overly advanced oil in engines with lower requirements, nor should lower-grade oil be used in engines with higher requirements. Multi-grade oil is recommended as it is economical, long-lasting, and efficient, providing better protection for the engine. Due to the characteristics of multi-grade oil, it may appear darker prematurely and have lower oil pressure compared to conventional oil, which is normal.

I've driven multiple car models, and most new vehicles come equipped with an oil warning system. When the oil level is low, the dashboard will illuminate an oil level light or pressure warning light. The light turns on when sensors detect a drop in oil pressure or the level is too low. However, older cars may lack this feature—for example, models from last century often didn’t have such sensors. The warning is a safety mechanism; if the light comes on, you should stop immediately and check the oil. Otherwise, the engine may overheat and suffer severe wear. Even with the warning system, I recommend developing a habit of checking the dipstick every 5,000 kilometers or monthly. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it, and check if the oil level is between the min and max marks. Prevention is always better than a major repair.

Twenty years of driving experience has taught me that a car will indeed alert you when the engine oil is low. In new cars, the oil light on the dashboard signals a problem—low oil pressure triggers the warning when oil levels drop. Once, while driving on the highway, the light came on, and I discovered an oil leak. Adding emergency oil helped me avoid a potential disaster. Older models might not have this alert system, so manually checking the oil level with a dipstick regularly is simple and reliable. Don’t solely rely on electronic systems; manual verification offers peace of mind. Neglecting this could lead to engine damage, with repair costs running into tens of thousands. Timely action is crucial. Developing the habit of checking ensures safety and peace of mind.

As a family car owner, safety comes first. Low engine oil levels usually trigger a warning, such as the oil pressure warning light illuminating. Insufficient oil can damage the engine, so when the warning appears, stop to check the dipstick and add oil if necessary. It's recommended to perform a simple check of the oil level within the normal range weekly or during each refueling. Preventive maintenance is better than post-failure repairs; while warnings are helpful tools, they shouldn't be ignored.


