Have you ever been driving and suddenly your car starts to make a weird noise? You panic and start looking for a place to pull over. Once you stop, you realize that your car was making that noise because it was running out of oil. If you're not careful, this situation can be dangerous. Driving with a low oil level can cause your engine to seize up, leading to a potentially serious accident. In this overview from Phil Wright Autoplex, we'll discuss the dangers of driving with low oil levels and provide some tips on how to avoid them.

Importance Of Correct Oil Levels In Your Engine
Maintaining the correct oil level in your engine is important for its overall health and performance. Not only does it help keep the engine lubricated, but it also helps remove heat. It's therefore essential to check your oil level on a regular basis and top it up as necessary. Failure to do so could result in damage to your engine.


Dangers Of Driving With Low Oil Levels

  • Wear And Tear To The Engine- Maintaining your oil at the right level will help you avoid premature wear to your engine. It's important to realize that an engine has many moving parts that need to be lubricated. The majority of the parts are comprised of metal, which is more susceptible to the forces of friction. With more grinding together, it's much more likely to cause more damage. The right oil level allows the mechanisms inside the engine to glide easily and work at an optimal level.

PHIL WRIGHT AUTOPLEX

3300 E MAIN ST
Directions RUSSELLVILLE, AR 72802

  • Contact: (479) 439-7941

Hours

  • Monday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Saturday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
  • Damage From Increased Heat-  One of the biggest factors that can affect the performance of your engine is elevated levels of heat. You may not realize it, but engines have built-in systems to help stabilize temperature. Low levels of heat put your vehicle at an increased risk of overheating because there isn't enough oil for the absorption of heat. Something as simple as keeping your oil level checked can save you from a costly repair. 
  • Reduced efficiency- If you're driving around with low oil levels, you'll also notice your gas mileage won't be as good. Also, engine power can be reduced.

Frequency Of Oil Changes
Modern vehicles are more efficient than ever before, but that doesn't mean skipping an oil change. If your vehicle uses conventional oil, you should change the oil roughly every 3,000-5,000 miles. Engines that use synthetic oil have longer intervals between changes, sometimes up to 10,000 miles. It's always best to check the recommendation according to the manufacturer or you can always ask our service department for advice. Preventative maintenance like routine oil changes can help your car last as long as possible, and it will drive more efficiently. 

Check Oil Light Indicator 
Although not common, it's possible for the check oil light to come on while you're driving down the highway. It's imperative not to ignore this warning as it means your vehicle is potentially unsafe to drive. It's always best practice to pull over as soon as possible and turn off your car to get it towed in for service. Not only are you protecting yourself, but the vehicle will also avoid unnecessary damage. 

Avoiding Problems With Your Oil Levels
Clean oil at the right level is the heartbeat of any vehicle, so it's important to stay on top of routine maintenance. Make it a habit to check your oil often. One rule of thumb is to check your oil before you fill up your gas tank. An easy way is to check the dipstick to determine the level of oil in the engine. If it shows a  low reading, simply add more oil.  Also, it's important to know other warning signs. Always take a glance at the spot you park on daily to see if there is any oil on the ground. You may also notice some unusual noises when you're driving that could indicate low oil levels. 

Call Our Service Department At Phil Wright Autoplex
Driving without the proper level of oil can be hazardous to your safety and cause extensive damage to your engine. If you are experiencing any issues with your vehicle, please do not hesitate to call us today for an appointment. We would be happy to help get you back on the road as quickly as possible. Thanks for choosing Phil Wright Autoplex!