The Dangers of Driving with Low Oil Level

Welcome to Community Buick GMC where we care about your safety on the road. One of the most essential components of your car’s engine is oil. As the lifeblood of your engine, it lubricates and protects all metal parts from grinding against one another, reduces heat produced by friction, seals gaps in the engine, cleans out harmful toxins, and prevents corrosion. Adequate levels of oil are crucial for optimal performance and the long-term health of your vehicle.

However, many drivers tend to overlook this aspect and continue driving their cars even when they notice a drop in oil level. Here are several dangers associated with low oil levels that every driver should know.

Internal Engine Damage

When your car operates without adequate levels of oil, the metal components rub against each other and produce heat. This then causes excessive wear and tear on these vital engine parts which also leads to increased friction between them. Over time, this can cause serious damage such as scoring or scratches on bearings and pistons. Damaged parts eventually lead to expensive repairs or total engine failure if not checked regularly.

Decreased Fuel Efficiency

Low levels of oil cause friction to increase significantly within the engine resulting in decreased fuel efficiency as more power is needed to keep all its components moving. This means that your car will consume more fuel to cover the same distance, resulting in frequent trips to the gas station and higher expenses on fuel.

Engine Overheating

When the car runs low on oil, it struggles to dissipate the heat generated from friction between metal parts. Over time, this causes increased engine temperature, leading to overheating. The engine can shut down unexpectedly due to high temperatures or even catch fire during operation, putting you and other occupants at risk.

Reduced Engine Performance

The performance of your vehicle is directly proportional to its health. Every part plays a significant role. When low oil levels occur, vital engine components such as camshafts, bearings, and cylinders produce loud noises indicating their struggle within the engine area. You may notice decreased acceleration capabilities or cars taking longer than usual to attain normal speeds; this ultimately affects road safety.

Increased Emissions

A car with low oil levels produces increased emissions which pollute the environment by releasing harmful substances into the air through its exhaust system. Excessive carbon monoxide emitted can suffocate anyone moving behind your vehicle’s path exposing them to life-threatening conditions if prolonged. In particular, vehicles that produce excess emissions of carbon monoxide due to low oil levels contribute to air contamination, leading to chronic respiratory issues like asthma, bronchitis, and other lung-related complications.

Call Community Buick GMC for Your Next Oil Change

It is essential always to monitor and maintain appropriate oil levels in every vehicle regularly for optimal performance and longevity. At Community Buick GMC, we offer professional oil change services that guarantee the health of your engine for a long time.

During our oil change service, we drain out the old oil and replace it with new high-quality oil recommended by your car manufacturer’s guidelines. We also inspect other components such as filters, belts, hoses, and fluids, ensuring everything is in good condition. Our mechanics have undergone years of training to ensure they provide top-tier service delivery to all our clients within a short time.

Regular oil changes will help you prevent the severe consequences of driving with low oil levels mentioned above, ensuring that you get the best out of your car for many years to come. Waiting until it is too late can result in significant repairs or putting your life at risk when driving on highways or busy roads if the engine fails suddenly.

In the end, ignoring low engine oil levels has far-reaching consequences on both vehicle performance and driver safety. Acting swiftly by scheduling regular car maintenance services will save you money, and trouble and keep everyone using roadways safe! Contact us today for inquiries or schedule an appointment by filling out a contact form on our website; one of our agents will gladly assist you immediately! Remember, at Community Buick GMC, your safety and satisfaction are our top priorities!