Delayed oil changes, fluid leaks, and engine problems — any of these can cause low engine oil, but can that then damage your car’s engine? In the end, low engine oil can cause damage to components, especially if it’s not fixed right away. The longer your car runs with low oil, the more you risk damage to the engine. Luckily, solving low oil can be a simple service for your mechanic to handle.
First, it helps to know what engine oil does for your vehicle. It plays a key role in engine function, as well as helping to prevent damage and slow wear on components in the system. Without adequate oil, your car’s engine may have performance issues, including poor fuel economy and weak acceleration, as well as signs of potential damage.
What’s the Purpose of Engine Oil?
Proper Lubrication of Moving Parts in the Engine
The most important and well-known role of engine oil is the lubrication of moving parts. This lubrication is essential for efficient engine performance, as well as preventing wear on components. Over time, engine oil becomes less fluid as it picks up contaminants and debris cycling through the engine. This makes it gradually less effective as a lubricant.
Modern Engine Oil Additives Give More Benefits
These days, additives in oil help keep engines operating smoothly. Not only do these additives help prevent wear on components, but they also help maintain optimal viscosity with temperature fluctuations and prevent the buildup of acid, dirt, and grime in the engine.
Protection Against Excess Wear
While all engine oil helps prevent wear by lubricating moving parts, certain additives enhance that protection. Look for oil that contains zinc phosphorus, or molybdenum for this added protection. When used in engine oil, these additives help create a barrier between moving metal parts that minimize friction and wear.
Maintaining Viscosity at Different Temperatures
As temperatures fluctuate, so does engine oil’s viscosity, thickening with colder temperatures and thinning at warmer temperatures. This is why it can be more difficult to start your car’s engine on a cold winter morning — it takes more effort to get the oil moving. However, additives in oil now help maintain proper viscosity, no matter the outside temperature.
Prevention of Acid Buildup & Other Dirt or Grime
With use, the buildup of acid, grime, and other contaminants will happen in your car’s engine. However, additives in modern oil can help prevent and slow that buildup. Deposits and buildup can cause performance problems and increase wear on components, especially in high-mileage engines.
Does Low Oil Cause Engine Damage?
The short answer is yes — low engine oil can cause engine damage. Increased friction and overheating can not only speed up wear on components but also potentially cause serious damage to the engine and related systems. However, by maintaining the proper amount and condition of oil, you can easily prevent many of these problems.
More Friction Means More Wear or Damage
Without proper oil, more friction is generated in the engine. As components work together, they’ll have more wear and tear without proper lubrication — and this can escalate to more serious damage to parts of the engine, as well as changes in your car’s performance. Whether engine oil is too low, old, or dirty, lubrication will be impacted.
More Friction Means More Heat — and Higher Risk of Overheating
Always keep an eye on engine temperature. If you notice it creeping upward, it’s possible you have low engine oil. More friction means higher temperatures, putting you at risk of an overheating engine. Once your car’s engine is overheating, you’re at higher risk of some of the most serious and costly engine repairs.
Look Out for Signs of Low Engine Oil
The signs of low engine oil can start out subtle, but you’ll notice a change in your engine’s overall performance. Keep an eye out for lower gas mileage, rising engine temperatures, poor acceleration or overall power, and drips under your vehicle. If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to schedule an engine service with your mechanic.
Worried About Engine Damage? Visit Your Local AAMCO Chester
Don’t let engine trouble sneak up on you. If you’re due for an oil change or other engine service, head to your local AAMCO Chester and our mechanics will help ensure the smooth operation of your car’s most important systems.