Common Causes & Symptoms of Low Engine Oil

Has your mechanic been insisting you go for an oil change for the past few weeks? Before you altogether disregard this request, you should be aware of just how important engine oil is. It is responsible for maintaining vital components inside the engine, which directly affect your car’s performance and longevity.

However, it is essential to understand the underlying intent behind the mechanic’s persuasive approach. If it is for all the good reasons, and not just to fill their pockets, then you must most certainly take the issue of low engine oil seriously. How can you tell the two situations apart? By understanding the common causes and symptoms of low car oil. Read this blog until the end to learn about it in detail.

Engine oil protects your car’s components by:

  • Lubrication
  • Cooling
  • Sealing
  • Cleaning

Here’s why all of this is important

Lubrication

Did you know that friction is the major contributor to many engine issues? Yes, it is true. Friction is common, as there are many moving parts inside a car’s engine. How to deal with car engine friction? The solution is engine oil! It creates a protective layer, a thin film, around all the moving parts. By doing so, it keeps the heat generated due to metal-to-metal contact in check. Your bearings, pistons, and crankshafts will stay in top condition with good-quality engine oil.

Cooling

Dissipating heat is one of the primary tasks of engine oils. It does so by absorbing the heat generated by not only friction but also combustion. Lubricants move the heat to the oil pan, allowing it to be cooled by air. A cool engine will perform better and for longer than an overheated engine system.

Sealing

Microscopic gaps between moving components inside the car’s engine are common. Engine oils do a great job of effectively sealing those gaps. Sealing is useful for the following reasons.

-It maintains combustion pressure
-Keeps contaminants out
-Separates fluids such as oil and coolant
-Prevents oil consumption

Cleaning

Be it from combustion or outdoor conditions, debris and dust buildup are common. This is where engine oils come into play. They capture the contaminants and prevent them from clogging or hampering the normal operations of engine components. The oil is then filtered to ensure it isn’t recirculated into the system.

Different Types of Engine Oils

Conventional Engine Oil

As the name suggests, this is the most common choice for car owners. Refined from crude oil, conventional engine oil is among the most affordable options. One of its cons is that it is less resistant to heat and requires frequent replacement.

Synthetic Engine Oil

It is a chemically engineered oil designed to offer maximum performance under high-stress conditions. Be the weather outside is too hot or cold, synthetic oil’s performance is unaffected. Synthetic engine oils ensure better consistency and need fewer replacements. However, it is generally priced higher than conventional engine oil.

Synthetic Blends

This is among the most popular choices for Australian car owners. It is a blend of synthetic and conventional oil. One of the best things about synthetic blends is that it is more resistant to oxidation, which means fewer replacements. The price point of synthetic blends is perfect. They are not as expensive as synthetic oil, while offering better performance than conventional oils.

Common Causes of Low Engine Oil

Low engine oil can be problematic if not addressed in time. Common causes of low car oil are as follows.

Clogged oil filter

Oil filters accumulate dirt and debris over time. If not cleaned or replaced, they leak, which depletes the engine oil level. Ask your mechanic to check for clogged oil filters during car servicing.

Oil burning

Engine oil is not supposed to enter a car’s combustion system. However, due to reasons such as worn piston rings, faulty gaskets, or cylinder wall wear, engine oil can seep into the combustion system. Oil burning causes faster depletion of engine oil.

Damaged Engine

If you recently met with an accident that might have damaged the car’s components, low engine oil levels could be its direct result. It is recommended to get the car examined and serviced extensively after an accident for damage control.

Conclusion

Now that you are aware of the common causes and symptoms of low engine oil, you can identify the signs and book a consultation with a mechanic in the Gold Coast. Mark Jackson Automotive in Southport, QLD, is a one-stop destination for all your car repair needs.

Be it for replacing your engine oil or the worn-out brake pads, our car mechanics in the Gold Coast will get the job done. We are a family-owned business with decades of experience. Our most popular service includes log book service, engine reconditioning and roadworthy certification on the Gold Coast.

Dial 07 5591 1007 and state your car issues. Our highly trained and experienced team of mechanics located in Southport on the Gold Coast will get you and your car sorted and have you back on the road in no time.