What Happens If Your Car Runs Out Of Oil?

If your car runs out of oil, the consequences can be catastrophic. However, engines rarely run out of oil, but it’s a situation that is not unheard of. Not checking or changing the oil in your car usually causes this unlikely situation. Engine oil is the lifeblood of your car, as it is the lubricant that keeps the engine parts sliding smoothly against each other. Oil reduces friction and prevents engine components grinding and wearing themselves down. Dirty oil can also lead to extreme engine wear and that’s why car manufacturers recommend routine oil and filter changes to ensure the oil is clean. In this article from K&M Citroen, a small independent garage located in Crowborough, East Sussex, we look at what happens if your car runs out of oil, the damaging effects of dirty oil and how you can prevent both from happening.

Oil lubricates the moving parts of your car engine

So how do you get to the stage of your car running out of oil? If your car engine isn’t properly lubricated, the metal components, such as gears, bearings and crankshaft in the engine will be rubbing against each other. The friction generates a tremendous amount of heat as well as creating premature wear on the engine parts. If this continues, and the engine runs out of oil completely, it will seize up.

What would cause your car to run out of oil?

• Oil leaks – through the engine gaskets, seals and other connections
• Running over an object – puts a hole in your oil pan
• Lack of attention to servicing and maintenance
• Not checking the oil level regularly

Oil leaks are more common in older cars. As the car ages, so do its engine parts and the connections may start to drip oil. Even with new cars, an internal combustion engine does consume oil, so the level does need to be checked regularly.

What to do if your car runs out of oil

If your car runs out of oil, you must stop driving immediately. You will have to get in touch with a recovery service such as the AA, RAC or Green Flag or contact a garage that can tow you.

How to identify your car is running low on oil or you have a leak

• Oil pressure warning light – connected to a sensor that monitors the oil level
• Burning oil smell – could signify a leak, so stop immediately
• Loud clunking sounds – indicates engine parts are starting to grind
• Engine overheats – friction increases along with engine temperature
• Lower performance – fewer miles to the gallon

Why dirty oil is so damaging for your vehicle

Dirty oil can be just as damaging as no oil at all. Over time, oil degrades and so that is why oil changes are vital which includes changing the filter. Dirty oil causes the oil to lose its viscosity as it becomes contaminated with dirt, metal and other debris. This makes the oil corrosive and can speed up the wearing down of engine parts. It also lowers your vehicle’s fuel economy.

What happens with dirty oil?

• Changes colour from a clear brown to solid black
• Loses its viscosity – engine parts wear at a faster rate
• Sluggish acceleration
• Poor fuel economy
• Permanent damage to your engine

How can you prevent your car from running out of oil?

 The solution is regular oil changes. Check your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations and remember that with an older car the oil system will not be so efficient, so the oil and filter will need changing more frequently.

How can K&M Citroen help?

If your car runs out of oil, it will only run for about 30 minutes during which time the engine will be destroyed. So, stop immediately. At K&M Citroen, a Castrol SERVICE Workshop, we don’t want you to ever run out of oil or drive with dirty engine oil, so that’s why we offer a FREE oil check. Along with our sister company K&M Tyres, we are located in Crowborough, East Sussex. By booking your car in with us, you will have the peace of mind that we will choose the right Castrol oil for your vehicle. Call us on 01892 653131 to book your vehicle in for a FREE oil level check. You can also find out if you are eligible for the Castrol Engine Warranty scheme.