Oil level is low Inspection
A vehicle needs oil to run and without it, or too little of it, severe damage can happen to the engine. Engine oil lubricates all of the major moving parts of the engine, which cuts down on wear and tear and dissipates the heat the engine generates. Not having enough oil in a vehicle can be deadly to the car’s engine. Engine oil operates in a closed loop system so if the engine is losing oil at a significant rate, there is a problem somewhere, most likely a leak. Engine oil is stored in the oil pan, which holds 4 to 6 quarts of oil depending on the vehicle. When the vehicle engine is started, the oil pump sucks oil from the oil pan through a part called the pickup tube. The oil is then pumped into the oil filter, which removes the dirt and debris that has accumulated in the oil. The engine oil then circulates throughout the engine via spurt holes before heading back to the oil pan where the process starts all over again.
Oil will become black and a bit gritty over time, this is normal and does not indicate that the oil needs to be changed. Most modern oils, especially the synthetics can last between 7,000 and 10,000 miles before they need to be changed. A mechanic will inspect your car for oil leaks, the oil type and check to see if the oil level warning light is operating as it should. The mechanic will also inspect some related engine components. This will include valve guides, piston rings and more.
Loss of engine oil is almost always a sign of a more serious problem. Engine oil is literally the lifeblood of the car and if the levels get too low it can damage critical components of the engine. Oil loss or high oil consumption should be investigated as soon as possible.