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United Tire and Service News

Dangers of Driving with a Low Oil Level

1/6/2022 7:47:00 PM | (3352) View Count | Return

Oil Changes in Pennsylvania

More than likely, you are the type of owner who takes good care of your car and you know the importance of getting the proper maintenance and repairs completed on a regular basis. However, if someone were to ask you today if your engine oil level is full, would you be able to say "yes?" There are several dangers of driving with low engine oil and our team at United Tire & Service has outlined some of the top threats here so you can stay informed and ensure your oil tank always has a sufficient amount of oil.

How do I determine the status of my engine oil level?

To check the oil level, simply use the oil dipstick located on your engine. Refer to your owner's manual for the precise location. Make sure the engine hasn't been running for a while (approximately 10 minutes) and then visually inspect the reading on the oil dipstick. Although the dashboard warning lights are designed to alert you when the oil level is low, it’s not something that you want to depend on.

What causes an oil leak?

An oil leak can be caused by a loose drain plug in the oil pan, a defective oil pan gasket or even a pin-hole in the oil filter. It is very unlikely that the oil will immediately decrease to a dangerous level merely due to normal driving. However, oil does lose its velocity over time and small amounts can seep out of the tiniest opening. This is the most common type of oil leak, especially with older vehicles.

What are the general dangers associated with a low oil level?

Driving your car with a low oil level will eventually cause serious harm to your engine, but in the meantime, your engine will not perform as well as it normally does. Your car may become more sluggish and not have as much “pep” as you’ve been accustomed to. There also may be a decrease in gas mileage, which can become increasingly worse over time. A common problem associated with a low oil level is driving with a bad oil pressure sensor. Undoubtedly, a bad oil pressure sensor, which is designed to regulate the oil flow, will lead to difficulty starting the engine, or worse, the engine may not start at all.

What are more severe dangers that occur with a low oil level?

A low oil level can affect the handling ability of your car, especially while on the highway when you need peak engine performance. This situation creates a very dangerous safety factor. Every engine has a specific amount of horsepower that it produces and a low oil level affects the ability to maintain the horsepower at peak levels. The most severe situation, and costly, is the engine could become completely inoperable; more commonly known as a “blown engine." If this occurs, the engine needs to be replaced or rebuilt.

United Tire & Service has 13 locations for your convenience. With independently owned shops throughout the Philadelphia community, we're committed to going the extra mile for customer satisfaction. Interested in scheduling an appointment for your vehicle? Use our online service scheduler or contact us directly!

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Visit United Tire & Service for Quality Tires and Auto Repair Near You

At United Tire & Service, our staff is here to serve customers throughout Pennsylvania. We offer top-quality auto repair services done by expert technicians. From an oil change or brake repair to auto air conditioning repair, muffler repair, engine diagnostics, wheel alignment, car batteries, fleet repair, tire repair, suspension repair and Pennsylvania state vehicle inspections, we do it all. We also stock a wide selection of tires from all the top brands in the industry including Goodyear Tires, Dunlop Tires, Kelly Tires, and many more. Schedule an appointment with us today at one of our locations in Concordville, Downingtown, Emmaus, Feasterville, Phoenixville, Southampton, Paoli, West Chester or Willow Grove, PA. We are your number one source for top quality, affordable auto repair and tires!