Will the car fail to start without engine oil?
2 Answers
Without engine oil, the car can start, but it should not be driven. Otherwise, major engine failures such as bearing seizure or cylinder seizure may occur, requiring an engine overhaul. The failure to start the car may be due to issues in the fuel supply system, insufficient battery voltage, or the car being in an anti-theft lock state without being unlocked. Below are the functions of engine oil: Lubrication and wear reduction: There is rapid relative sliding between the piston and cylinder, and between the main shaft and bearing. To prevent excessive wear of parts, an oil film needs to be established between the two sliding surfaces. Cooling: Engine oil can carry heat back to the oil tank and then dissipate it into the air, helping the radiator to cool the engine. Cleaning: Good engine oil can carry carbon deposits, sludge, and worn metal particles from engine parts back to the oil tank through circulation. The flow of lubricating oil washes away dirt generated on the working surfaces of the parts.
My car had an incident before where I forgot to add engine oil. The oil warning light was on for days, but I didn’t pay attention. Eventually, it wouldn’t start in the morning. At first, I thought the battery was dead, so I called a tow truck to take it to the repair shop. The mechanic checked and said the engine oil had run dry, causing excessive friction and overheating, which seized the pistons. That’s why the engine couldn’t turn over during startup. The ignition system itself relies on spark plugs and fuel lines, which aren’t directly related to engine oil, but a lack of oil can severely damage the engine and indirectly ruin the entire car. Since then, I’ve made it a habit to pop the hood every week to check the oil level and ensure the dipstick is between the marked lines. Looking back, it’s really scary—just a little later, and the engine might have needed a major overhaul or even been scrapped. I advise everyone not to be as careless as I was. Topping up oil on time can save you a lot of money.
