Here's what happens to your car when you drive without oil:
1. Oil Film Depletion: Normally, oil forms a thin film between moving engine parts, reducing friction. As the oil disappears, the metal surfaces start rubbing against each other.
2. Increased Friction and Heat: Without oil, the friction between parts such as pistons, rings, bearings, and camshafts increases dramatically. This generates excessive heat, raising engine temperatures far above normal levels.
3. Piston Seizures: The pistons move inside cylinders, and without oil, they can overheat, expand, and seize within the cylinder walls. This can result in severe damage to the engine block, cylinder head, and other components.
4. Bearing Failures: Engine bearings are responsible for supporting and allowing smooth rotation of the crankshaft. Without oil, the bearings overheat, wear out rapidly, and can seize or break.
5. Coolant System Overheating: Without oil to circulate and aid in cooling, the engine overheating puts additional strain on the coolant system. This can cause the coolant to boil, leading to the possibility of blown head gaskets or even a cracked cylinder head.
6. Camshaft Damage: The camshaft, which controls valve timing, can also suffer damage due to lack of lubrication. Without oil, the camshaft lobes wear out prematurely, leading to timing issues and poor engine performance.
7. Oil Pump Damage: The oil pump itself, which circulates oil throughout the engine, can be damaged by the excessive friction and heat generated by the lack of oil. This may compromise its ability to circulate oil even if oil is added later.
8. Total Engine Failure: If the engine operates for an extended period without oil, it may eventually experience catastrophic failure where it stops running and cannot be repaired.
The cost of repairing a car after driving without oil can vary widely depending on the extent of the damage. In severe cases, it might even require a complete engine replacement, which could be very expensive or total the car.
