9 Critical Low Engine Oil Symptoms to Watch For

Need help identifying low engine oil symptoms?

While it might seem minor, low engine oil can lead to serious problems under the hood. From strange noises and sluggish performance to full-on engine failure, the symptoms can escalate quickly.

The nine most common low engine oil symptoms are:

Illuminated oil pressure warning light
Activated check engine light
Burning oil smell
Unusual engine noise
Car stalling
Engine overheating
Sluggish vehicle performance
Poor fuel economy
Dipstick reflecting low engine oil level

This article will go over each of these symptoms in detail, so you can catch problems early and keep your car’s engine running smoothly.

This Article Contains:

9 Major Low Engine Oil Symptoms to Watch Out for
Why Is Your Engine Running Low on Oil?
How Often Do You Need a Regular Oil Change?
3 FAQs on Engine Oil

9 Major Low Engine Oil Symptoms to Watch Out for

Here’s what you may experience when your car is running low on engine oil:

1. Illuminated Oil Pressure Warning Light

An activated oil pressure light is the most definitive way to tell that you have low engine oil.

Most modern vehicles have a warning light (oil light) connected to a system of sensors. These sensors evaluate the oil pressure and send the data to the ECU (Engine Control Unit). If your car lacks proper oil pressure, the ECU triggers the warning light on your dashboard.

Once you see this oil pressure warning light, you should have a mechanic inspect your vehicle ASAP.

NOTE: If the oil warning light flickers instead of staying steadily lit, your mechanic will check the engine oil pressure and level. If the warning light doesn’t go off even after a top-up, the low pressure could be due to a faulty:

Oil pressure sensor
Oil pump
Oil pressure gauge, or other damaged components

2. Activated Check Engine Light

The check engine light can often turn on due to low oil levels. If refilling your car’s engine oil doesn’t turn off the light, your mechanic will perform further investigation. They may check for leaks, inspect the engine oil pressure sensor, or scan the ECU for trouble codes.

3. Burning Oil Smell

Pull over immediately if your vehicle starts giving off a burning oil smell.

A burning smell followed by a drop in the oil level could indicate a leak from engine components, like the valve cover gasket or the oil pan. The leaking oil may drip on a hot engine part, causing that burning smell.

Once you pull over, let your vehicle cool down. Then, check the dipstick for a low oil level. Avoid driving if there’s less fluid, as insufficient oil can cause severe engine damage.

At this point, you can either refill the engine oil or call for auto assistance.

4. Unusual Engine Noise

Strange knocking, ticking, or clunking noises from under the hood are never good signs. It could mean your engine is running low on oil, potentially leading to complete engine failure.

When oil flow is insufficient, engine parts rub against each other, creating friction. This can loosen critical components like connecting rods, which may then knock around inside the engine.

In severe cases, you may notice high-pitched screeching or harsh grating sounds. These are often signs of metal-on-metal contact, which happens when engine components like the camshaft or crankshaft don’t get enough lubrication.

Apart from screeching sounds, you might also hear a ticking noise from the lifters (components that control the engine’s intake and exhaust valves). Unusual engine noise may also emerge from camshaft bearings due to low oil pressure, low oil level, or degraded viscosity.

NOTE: Oil viscosity refers to how easily oil flows at a specific temperature. The right oil viscosity is essential for optimal engine performance, as too thick or too thin oil can lead to poor lubrication.

5. Car Stalling

Many vehicles come equipped with fail-safe features to prevent the engine from severe damage. One such feature is automatically shutting off or stalling the engine when there’s low engine oil pressure or the fluid level drops.

That said, engine stalling itself is pretty taxing on the motor. It could damage the pistons and other engine components, which can be expensive to repair or replace.

So, if your vehicle keeps stalling, it’s time to check for low engine oil pressure or level.

6. Engine Overheating

While the cooling system (coolant, radiator, and water pump) handles most of the heat, engine oil also helps cool internal parts that the coolant can’t reach. Without proper oil pressure, engine parts won’t receive enough lubrication. This can create friction between metal parts and cause them to overheat.

Consequently, your vehicle may shut itself off to prevent engine damage, or else the heated components could start a fire.

So, if the temperature gauge rises to unsafe levels, pull over right away and call roadside assistance.

7. Sluggish Vehicle Performance

Since engine oil maintains lubrication for smooth functioning, a lack of it can cause your engine to go into overdrive. This results in sluggish engine performance, reduced efficiency, and can also cause difficulty maintaining speed on highways or stalling at stoplights.

8. Poor Fuel Economy

Without sufficient oil flow, your engine must work harder to meet the vehicle’s demands. And the harder the engine works, the more fuel it will burn. This can lead to reduced fuel economy and multiple trips to the gas pump.

So, if you notice a drop in your vehicle’s fuel efficiency, have a mechanic inspect it for low engine oil or other problems.

9. Dipstick Shows Low Engine Oil Level

During a routine oil check, if the dipstick shows that your oil level is below the required mark, your mechanic will recommend an immediate top-up or oil change.

If low oil levels are recurring, they may also inspect for leaks or other underlying problems.

Now you know what signs to look for to confirm a low oil level.
But what’s behind the drop in lubricant levels?

Why Is Your Engine Running Low on Oil?

Here are two possible causes:

1. Engine Oil Leak

If your oil level is low even after a recent oil change, your engine may be experiencing a leak.

If the leak from the oil pan or any other part is severe, you might notice a fluid puddle under your vehicle. However, minor leaks are hard to spot and often require engine dismantling.

A leak can occur due to a poorly installed oil filter, worn seals, or a cracked oil pan, allowing the lubricant to seep out.

2. Engine Oil Burning

Notice low pressure on the gauge or a drop in the oil level, but can’t find a leak?
Chances are that your engine is burning oil internally.

Your vehicle burning a small amount of oil is normal, especially as the engine ages. Topping it off with some new oil should fix the issue.

But if your new car is rapidly burning oil, and you spot blue exhaust smoke, it could indicate worn-out piston rings or valve seals. These problems can lead to engine damage if not addressed quickly.

Whether it’s due to normal oil burn-off or a more serious issue, knowing when to change your oil is key to keeping your engine healthy.

How Often Do You Need a Regular Oil Change?

Here’s the typical oil change interval for different lubricant types:

Conventional oil: 3,000 to 5,000 miles
High-mileage oil: 5,000 to 7,000 miles
Diesel oil: 5,000 to 7,000 miles
Semi-synthetic or synthetic blend oil: 7,000 to 10,000 miles
Full synthetic oil: Up to 15,000 miles

To stay on top of things, always follow your manufacturer-recommended oil change intervals.

However, don’t rely solely on the schedule. Your driving habits also affect how often you need an oil and oil filter change. If you regularly drive in harsh conditions, such as extreme heat or cold, heavy traffic, or rough roads, you may need more frequent service.

Additionally, when checking your oil level with the dipstick, take a moment to assess the fluid’s appearance. Fresh engine oil is usually golden or amber in color.

If the oil looks dark or dirty, it’s likely contaminated and should be changed, not just topped up. In such cases, it’s best to book an oil change service with your mechanic.

Still got questions?
Let’s go over some queries related to motor oil.

3 FAQs on Engine Oil

Here are answers to some common questions you might have regarding engine oil:

1. How to Check for a Low Engine Oil Level in Your Car?

To check the engine oil level:

Allow your engine to cool down, then open the hood.

Locate the oil dipstick, pull it out, and clean it with a cloth.

Take note of the minimum and maximum markings on the dipstick and insert it back into the oil pipe.

Pull it out again and check where the oil level falls between the minimum and maximum markings.

If it’s close to the minimum, it’s time to get an oil top-up.

2. What Mistakes Should You Avoid with Engine Oil?

When it comes to engine oils, you should take care not to:

Use the wrong oil type: The wrong oil can cause your engine to malfunction or sustain damage.

Skip regular oil changes: Old oil can cause friction as it loses its ability to lubricate engine parts properly. Over time, old oil also breaks down and forms sludge, which can clog the engine’s internal components, resulting in severe damage.

Drive with low oil: Insufficient oil can increase wear and lead to engine overheating.

3. How Much Do Oil Changes Cost?

The cost of an oil change service ranges between $30 and $250 or more. The price may differ based on local labor rates, vehicle model, and other factors.

Here’s an estimate of what you’d have to pay depending on the oil type:

Conventional oil: $30 to $75
Synthetic blend oil (semi-synthetic oil): $40 to $100
High-mileage oil: $50 to $75
Diesel engine oil: $50 to $70
Full synthetic oil: $65 to $120

NOTE: Oil change service for luxury or high-performance vehicles can cost significantly more, often $250 or higher, due to specialized oil, filters, and labor requirements.

Keep It Lubricated, Keep It Running

Engine oil is key to keeping your vehicle parts lubricated, cool, and clean. However, the oil can diminish over time, hampering engine performance.

If you’ve been noticing low engine oil symptoms that aren’t going away after a top-up, or if you just need an oil change, reach out to AutoNation Mobile Service. We are a mobile auto repair and maintenance solution offering convenient online booking and competitive prices for all vehicle repairs.