The most dangerous breakdowns from neglecting your car's engine oil

Checking the engine oil level regularly, following the change intervals and using the right oil can save you from breakdowns that are very costly to repair.

You may not believe it, but many drivers never check the engine oil level of their car between services, or between one oil change and the next. And this is a mistake that can cost you dearly.

This would surely never happen if we all knew why engine oil is so important for your car’s engine. Without going any further, here you have 15 related questions about engine oil whose answers you should know.

The worst breakdowns related to engine oil

These are the main breakdowns that occur when the wrong oil is used, the level is kept below the minimum, or maintenance intervals are not respected.

1. Engine seizure

No, the engine doesn’t catch the flu… it’s much worse. And usually there is no fix. A lack of oil, oil that has lost its lubricating properties by exceeding the recommended mileage for replacement, or a clogged filter can cause the engine’s moving parts (pistons with cylinders, connecting rods with the crankshaft) to reach a temperature from friction that can make them melt. The only solution is to replace the engine.

It can also happen that seizure affects a part of the engine; usually it is the timing system. The camshafts, which operate the valves and are located in the cylinder head of modern engines, need proper lubrication to avoid seizing. And in cars with chain-driven timing, the chain tensioner usually uses the same oil as the engine as its lubricant.

The chain normally requires no maintenance, but the tensioner does, and if it does not perform its function properly it can make the crankshaft and camshafts lose their synchronisation, which would cause the pistons to collide with valves that have not closed in time. Better not even think about the result.

2. Turbocharger problems

Another sensitive component, present in most modern cars, whether petrol or diesel. And its lubrication needs are very critical, since the turbine shaft normally exceeds 100,000 rpm.

It is vitally important here that the oil level is correct and the quality is adequate, so that carbon or foam deposits do not form and cause the oil to lose its properties, which could end up damaging the turbo shaft. The bill for a turbocharger replacement on a compact turbodiesel can range from 1,500 to 2,000 euros.

3. Damage to the particulate filter

If cars with particulate filters need low-ash oils with low levels of phosphorus or sulphur, to prevent the filter from becoming blocked, you will understand how important it is not to skimp on engine oil.

Have you ever wondered how much it costs to replace a particulate filter? When you find out, you will surely understand why we recommend following oil change intervals, using quality oil and replacing the filter every time you change the oil. By the way, while we’re on the subject, here are 10 reasons you will probably end up hating your diesel’s particulate filter. And more, if you’re not careful with the oil.

Tips to avoid breakdowns related to engine oil

It’s clear that unforeseen events can always happen. But if you want to extend your engine’s life and avoid these costly breakdowns, these are the main tips you should follow regarding your car’s engine oil.

1. Check the level regularly

Even though it is very little, practically all engines consume some oil… To give you an idea, many manufacturers consider an oil consumption of around half a litre every 1,000 km to be within normal limits.

Imagine your car is well below that figure and consumes about 100 cc every 1,000 km. If you don’t check the level between oil changes – we could be talking about 15,000 km on average – that would be a consumption of 1.5 litres. More than the capacity between the minimum and maximum on the dipstick of most cars. That is, you could end up driving with less oil than necessary.

Checking the oil level is a very simple task, if your car has no level warning light on the instrument panel. You just need to take care to do it with the car parked on a flat surface, and with the engine cold, or after waiting a few minutes after switching off the engine. Ideally, remove the dipstick, wipe it with a cloth, put it back in and pull it out again. The best is for the level to sit exactly in the middle, neither below the minimum… nor above the maximum.

2. Follow oil change intervals

When the manufacturer says so. There’s no need to do it earlier… nor is it advisable to do it later. And it is much better if you change the filter with every oil change. You can do it at the workshop, or you can change the oil yourself. But the important thing is not to extend the change periods beyond what is stipulated in the maintenance manual.

As a preventive tip, it is even advisable to bring the change forward if the way you use the car places high demands on the engine and lubricant; for example, many cold starts and short trips in which the engine never reaches its operating temperature.

3. Use the right oil

Another rule that must be followed strictly. Each engine requires a specific type of oil and must meet minimum specifications, which are the ones recommended by the manufacturer.

A petrol engine does not use the same oil as a diesel with a particulate filter. Nor does a small naturally aspirated engine for a city car use the same oil as a turbo engine capable of running at high revs, with different lubrication needs.

The best option, therefore, is to use oil with the quality required by the manufacturer, or better. And you already know our opinion: saving money here can end up costing you dearly. A good synthetic oil is better than a semi-synthetic or a mineral oil. Here you have a selection of the best 5W30 synthetic oils.