It’s important to keep the oil levels in your car’s engine at optimum levels in order to keep your car functioning well and operating smoothly for as long as possible. Oil is the lifeblood of the vehicle and keeps your engine running as intended.
Beyond that, you’ll end up with a vehicle that costs more to operate and is unlikely to live past its expected shelf life without costly repairs. The good news is that there are a few clear cut signs that the oil levels in your vehicle’s engine are too low.
You can take steps to keep your vehicle running smoothly for many years to come. In this article, we’ll go over the symptoms of low oil in car engine and tell you what you can do about it.
Article Summary
Symptoms of Low Oil in Car Engine
Proper care of your car is vital for its lifespan and performance. Perhaps one of the most important parts of taking care of your car is checking your engine’s oil levels.
Oil is used to lubricate the engine. It helps the components to not rub against each other too much, decreasing friction and overheating. If the amount of oil in the engine has dropped too low, it can cause extensive damage to your engine.
Here are the most common symptoms of low oil levels in a car engine:
Warning Light on the Dashboard
If the oil level is low, the first indication will probably be the oil pressure warning Light on the dashboard. Almost all modern vehicles these days have sensors that monitor oil levels and pressure, and if oil levels get too low, the sensor will make the warning light come on.
You should never ignore an oil pressure light. If low oil signal comes on, something needs to be done right away.
Unusual Engine Noise
Oil flows through the engine, reducing the friction between the moving parts, such as the crankshaft, the bearings that support it, and the camshaft.
If the oil level is low, these components rub together and make strange sounds. You might hear knocks, clunks, or grinds coming from the engine. This isn’t good. It means a lot more friction and damage is happening.
Overheating Engine
Oil actually helps remove some of the engine’s heat. If you have low oil, your engine can overheat a bit more easily than would be normal.
It’s also possible that your temperature gauge is rising higher than it normally does or that your engine is overheating more often these are signs of low oil. If your engine begins to overheat, it can, in fact, explode if left unfixed for long enough.
Burning Oil Smell
If your engine runs in low oil, the remaining oil will burn at an accelerated pace. This burning oil smell will be quite noticeable inside the vehicle, as it’s often quite a distinct smell.
This burning oil smell is usually accompanied by smoke coming from the engine, either out of the tailpipe or underneath the hood of the vehicle. This burning smell is quite telling that something is definitely wrong with your engine.
Poor Performance and Acceleration
Lubrication is essential for engines to function properly. If there is low oil, the engine will have heightened friction, which will be reflected in a reduction in performance.
The car will begin to feel like it has difficulty accelerating smoothly. You might also feel that it takes longer for the car to respond to your demands. This is a sign that the engine is not receiving sufficient lubrication.
Decreased Fuel Efficiency
When your engine is too dry, it doesn’t run smoothly, and you might notice yourself going to the petrol station more frequently. If you want to get the best out of your fuel, keeping your oil plentiful is one important step.
Engine Stalling or Misfiring
At its most severe, you may find that the engine stalls or misfires when contact between parts of the engine no longer occurs due to greater friction and heat.
In cases such as this, it is recommended that you check your oil levels and top up immediately if they are low.
Prevention for Symptoms of Low Oil in Car Engine
Aside from keeping moving parts lubricated, oil also reduces friction and combats excess heat. If you don’t have enough oil in your vehicle, it can lead to several problems.
From excessive wear and tear on moving parts to damage that will cost you a ton of money to repair it. So, try to maintain some preventive measures to save your car’s engine.
Regularly Check Oil Levels
Take a look at your car’s oil level at least once a month. Use the dipstick to make sure it’s within the proper range.
Follow the Manufacturer’s Maintenance Schedule
Follow the oil change intervals in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. By following these intervals, your engine is being lubricated with clean oil, extending engine life and maintaining performance.
Use the Right Type of Oil
For any motor oil, always use the right specifications for engine oil type and viscosity recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer.
This helps ensure proper engine operation at the right pressures and temperatures and minimizes the risk of damage from inadequate lubrication.
Monitor for Leaks
Check your parking place regularly for oil spots and look under the bonnet for leaks.
If you see any, a professional mechanic should fix them before the oil level gets low.
Pay Attention To Warning Lights
Now, if you see the warning light on your dashboard, do not just keep driving. There may well be a bad lock, a minor fuel leak, or something else minor that is currently happening.
Listen To Your Engine
Knocking or grinding noises can be a sign that there is not enough oil, so get out the dipstick if that’s what you hear.
Keep An Extra Quart of Oil Handy
Keep a spare quart of oil in your trunk. If you see your oil level getting low on the road, you can top it up to avoid any engine problems.
Avoid Short Trips
The engine can’t reach its burning temperature during short trips, which is why the condensation and oil mix. Do the longer drives or after every few short trips.
Check for Burning Oil Smell
When your engine is burning oil because it doesn’t have enough, you will likely smell a burning oil odor and see smoke. Check the cause and top up the oil if necessary.
Regular Professional Inspections
Take your car for inspection regularly by a qualified mechanic. The mechanic can check for worn-out seals, gaskets, or other issues that might cause your oil to go down.
FAQs On Symptoms of Low Oil in Car Engine
How Often Should I Check My Car’s Oil Level?
You should regularly check your oil level at least once a month. This checking-up will help you in detecting leaks, and the cause of the oil being low might be the consumption. On the other hand, if you don’t check it up, you might end up with bad quality liquids and without running oil in your machine. (Don’t forget to always check your owner’s manual to look for your vehicle’s special recommendations and maintenance schedule)
What Type of Oil Should I Use for My Car?
The type of oil your car engine requires depends on your engine’s specifications, this is a particular make and model. What oil you put it with specifies something new by referring to the recommendations in your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the type and viscosity of the best oil to optimize your car’s performance and prolong its life.
What are the Consequences of Driving with Low Oil Levels?
Driving with low oil presents a considerable risk of serious engine damage. Without proper lubrication, friction in engine components increases, resulting in overheating and the permanent wearing of valuable parts. In the worst case scenario, the engine can become completely unusable as a consequence of the damage. It’s obviously very urgent to check the oil level and add more oil before driving on.
Can I Just Add Oil Instead of Getting an Oil Change?
Filling the engine with oil (somewhat riskily) while temporarily remedying low oil is impossible in the face of a subpar oil change. Over time, oil degrades by collecting dirt and waste products of engine function. A regular oil change is necessary to keep your engine working at its peak with clean oil, lubricating in a way that reduces the demands of mechanical working and friction.
Why Does My Car Consume More Oil Than Usual?
More oil can be used due to worn piston rings, valve seals, or leaks. If you notice an increased level of oil consumption, follow up by taking the car to a mechanic and getting it diagnosed and resolved.
Conclusion
Keeping an eye on your engine’s oil level, checking it regularly, and properly maintaining it is vital for your engine. Any signs of these symptoms must be addressed immediately, and proper care and maintenance on schedule are paramount to keeping your car’s engine at the top of its game.
Your vehicle will last longer and perform better when you comply with your owner’s manual oil type and maintenance schedules.
