The Dangers of Driving with Low Oil Level

When it comes to regular vehicle maintenance, one of the most important services you can have done on your vehicle is regular oil changes. Oil is an essential fluid for any vehicle. It lubricates the moving parts of your engine to minimize friction and heat while improving function. Driving with too low of an oil level can saddle you with serious problems. At Chris Crain Hyundai, we know the dangers of driving with low oil levels- which is why we’ve put together this post. 

 

SCHEDULE AN OIL CHANGE IN CENTRAL ARKANSAS TODAY

 

Dangers of Low Oil Levels

Heat can be very harmful to engines, which is why engines are built with several systems that allow them to stay cool. When an engine’s oil level is low, the oil cannot properly absorb the heat that is in the engine. Therefore, the engine will be at risk of overheating. Overheating can damage an engine tremendously, ultimately leading to the engine needing to be replaced. 

 

Signs You Need an Oil Change 

You don’t have to wait for problems with the engine to tell you that you need oil. Instead, pay attention to the following signs and you can provide solutions that are inexpensive and relatively easy to implement.

 

• The engine knocks. If your camshafts and valvetrain don’t have enough lubrication, your crankshaft bearings can fail and produce a knocking sound. The noise can also be heard due to an imbalanced crankshaft or if the flex plate of the flywheel has cracks.
• The Oil Pressure Warning Light comes on. This is the most common indication that your oil level is low. Fortunately, the simple solution is to add more oil. If the light remains on even after you do that, you may have a leak, which will require either the repair or replacement of a hose or two.
• You smell a burning odor. Without enough oil, engine components will start to rub against each other and produce excess heat. Any oil that is left will start to burn up, producing the odor that you smell. The aroma is strong enough for you to notice even inside the passenger cabin.
• Smoke appears under the hood. The excess friction and heat produced by the lack of oil can overheat your engine and show smoke coming from under the hood.

 

Visit Chris Crain Hyundai Today! 

Keeping your vehicle’s engine full of clean oil will help your vehicle to last as long as possible and will improve its longevity as well. Visit us at Chris Crain Hyundai if you would like to learn more about the services that your vehicle needs to make sure that it is running smoothly. We offer a variety of products and services at our dealership that will help you with your vehicle and will be glad to help you determine what you need. Contact us today to schedule an oil change.

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