It is important to know the correct engine oil level in your vehicle, as it helps to give you better car performance and prolong the lifespan of your vehicle’s engine. However, if the oil level is too low, it can damage your car’s engine and could be expensive.
The engine of any car is responsible for converting fuel energy into mechanical energy, which in turn makes the car move forward. But for that, there should be enough oil in the engine to lubricate and cool it. If there is no adequate oil in the engine, the engine will overheat and malfunction.
So, knowing the signs of low engine oil would help you to prevent it and avoid unwanted outcomes. Low engine oil is a serious issue.
Topic Summary
Sound of the Signs of Low Engine Oil
As the engine oil level gets low, you typically start to hear different noises that indicate a lack of lubrication.
The first is tic or tic-tac type sounds as your engine’s moving parts, such as valve lifters and camshaft, start to grind against their mating surfaces without adequate oil protection. Ticking or tapping will vary from engine to engine, but it’s typically more obvious on startup and while you’re idling.
Another unmistakable symptom of low oil is a knocking or tapping sound that tends to originate from the bottom end of the engine, where the crankshaft and connecting rods reside. As more metal-on-metal contact occurs in response to low oil levels, more friction is generated, resulting in the tell-tale knock.
From time to time, you may also hear a metallic grinding sound. This occurs when the oil level gets so low that no liquid is available to protect parts in rotation; the friction results in damage and wear, as the engine parts grind each other. If any two of these noises pop up, check the oil level immediately and add some to prevent further damage.
Symptoms Signs of Low Engine Oil
There are some signs by which we can easily notice that our car needs an oil change. Some of the symptoms are mentioned below.
Oil Warning Light
The most obvious one is the oil warning light on your car’s dashboard—usually represented by an oil can with a drop of oil inside it. If this light comes on, it means your engine oil levels are dangerously low.
Engine Noise
With the engine running, the oil washer goes up and down, touching the points of the bobbins that are furthest apart, and the clicking or clacking noise you hear is caused by the oil being returned to the same bobbins — just as the mechanism would work in the absence of oil.
Engine oil eases the friction between the moving metal parts of the engine, enabling the engine to run smoothly. If you don’t have enough oil in your engine, you’ll hear knocking, ticking, or clattering sounds due to the increased friction in the absence of proper lubrication.
Overheating Engine
Another way it helps is by dispersing heat. Your engine can quickly become overheated if there is not enough oil circulating around your motor to pick up and break down the engine’s excess heat. If your temperature gauge is rising or your engine is overheating, low oil is probably to blame.
Burning Oil Smell
When your engine oil is leaking or burning off (such as when not enough oil is present to adequately lubricate the engine’s internal parts, and the remaining oil heats up and evaporates), you will detect an oil-burning odor. If you smell burning oil, check your oil level.
Poor Engine Performance
Lack of engine oil will result in impaired engine performance. That means you will notice either a sluggish acceleration, low power, or bad fuel economy. Oil in the engine works as a journal bearing and provides lubrication, which increases the engine’s performance.
Exhaust Smoke
If there is too much smoke coming out of the exhaust, especially blue or gray smoke, this may be caused by low oil. The oil leaks into the combustion chamber is mixed with the fuel and is burned together, which is not in accord with normal principles.
Oil Stains Under Your Car
Oil stains or puddles under your parked vehicle might indicate an oil leak. This will rapidly use up your engine oil, reducing its levels. Low oil levels can also have many of the problems discussed above. Do regular checks for leaks to avoid reduced oil levels.
What Happens If Engine Oil is Low?
Driving with low engine oil can easily destroy an engine. When there’s not enough oil in the engine, it won’t adequately lubricate the moving engine parts, which will cause them to overheat, potentially lock up, and need replacing.
Not enough lubrication is also one of the reasons for the noise from the engine, which could be a ticking or knocking sound. We may also reach oil dipsticks. Besides, by lubricating oil transfer, we could prevent the engine from overheating because the evaporation of oil could exhaust the overheat. Overheating could cause other damages and damage to performance.
Another warning can be obvious when you smell oil burning off or notice black smoke from the exhaust. Low oil also makes your engine run poorly, with slow acceleration and lower mileage. Make it a habit to keep an eye on your engine oil level and keep it full.
Can a Car Still Run with the Signs of Low Engine oil?
A car can be driven with a low oil level, but it is not OK and may be very bad indeed in the long term. When the oil level is low, the engine parts do not get enough oil to lubricate properly, which in turn results in increased friction and, therefore, heat.
In the worst case, this will lead to the engine parts wearing out prematurely and badly. While running out of oil might be the worst-case scenario, deficient levels of oil will result in an overheated engine anyway because the oil cools the engine, among other things.
This, in turn, can lead to a myriad of problems, ranging from stalling the engine (commonly referred to as ‘running hot’) to eventually blowing the head gasket or even permanently seizing the engine.
If a car has one of the symptoms, such as a ticking or knocking sound emitted by the engine, a burning oil smell, or a decrease in engine performance, you cannot still drive it; otherwise, it would be a very expensive repair.
If your car has high mileage, a routine of checking its oil level and filling the oil to the exact amount is critical to driving regularly and will result in improved performance of your car.
Maintenance Tips for Signs of Low Engine oil
Protect yourself from the hazards of low engine oil with these preventive measures and maintenance tips:
Periodical Oil Controls: Check the level of engine oil with the dipstick monthly. It should be between the minimum and maximum.
Scheduled Oil Changes: Schedule your oil change according to your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations. Fresh oil keeps everything nice and slick.
Check For Leaks: Survey your car every now and again to look for any indications of oil leaks.
Listen to your Car Sound: If it makes strange noises or isn’t performing as it should, investigate immediately.
Use the Right Oil: Check your vehicle owner’s manual or ask your dealer for the type and grade of oil to use.
FAQs About Signs of Low Engine Oil
What happens if I drive with low engine oil?
Which of the following statements provides an appropriate response to the request? Driving with low engine oil can lead to serious engine damage because, without the necessary lubrication, the engine’s components can overheat and seize, rapidly developing excessive friction and potentially leading to full failure of the engine, which will be costly to repair.
How often should I check my engine oil level?
To ensure the safety and performance of your vehicle, it is recommended that you check your engine oil level once a month. This way, you can ensure the desired oil level and have the chance of spotting any leak or excessive consumption to ensure that your engine is sufficiently lubricated and operates accordingly.
What causes engine oil to become low?
Sometimes, an engine can become low on oil, and there are various reasons for it. The reasons can be leaks, burning oil, not doing the servicing timely, or the engine being a high oil user. You can prevent low oil levels by keeping an eye out for leaks, using the correct oil, and replacing oil regularly when the osmometer indicates it needs to be changed.
Can I just top off the engine oil instead of changing it?
A quick fix might be to top up your engine oil if the level is low, but regularly changing the oil is far more important. Without regular oil changes, the oil becomes degraded and more polluted and simply can’t work as well. Regular oil changes mean that your engine is routinely working with good clean oil.
What type of engine oil should I use?
The answer depends on the type of engine oil recommended by your vehicle manufacturer. We should refer you to the vehicle’s owner’s manual. ‘Using the correct type of oil and the correct grade of oil recommended by your vehicle manufacturer will ensure optimum lubrication, performance, and engine protection.’ ‘Always check your owner’s manual and follow your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations.’
Conclusion
You can prevent excessive damage to your engine if you catch low engine oil on time and address the issue immediately. However, ignoring the signs mentioned above can damage your engine, which can result in costly engine repairs.
Most automotive shops and repair stores offer engine maintenance. In order to maintain your engine, check your engine’s oil level regularly and change the oil whenever required.
When any of the signs above begin to appear, check your engine oil level and, if needed, seek assistance from a professional mechanic. As long as you lubricate your engine, your engine will run smoothly for a long time.