If your car runs out of oil, the most critical action is to **stop driving immediately** to prevent severe engine damage.
Running an engine without sufficient oil can cause components to seize or break due to extreme friction and heat. This can lead to costly, and often irreparable, engine failure.
## Immediate Steps When You Run Out of Oil
As soon as you notice the oil pressure warning light come on or suspect your car is low on oil while driving:
* **Pull Over Safely:** Find a safe place to stop as quickly as possible, away from traffic.
* **Turn Off the Engine:** Shut down the engine immediately. Do not attempt to restart it or drive any further.
## Assessing the Situation: Checking Your Oil
Once safely stopped and the engine is off, you can check the oil level, though this should be done after the engine has cooled slightly.
### How to Check Engine Oil Level
1. Locate the oil dipstick (usually marked with an oil can symbol).
2. Pull the dipstick out and wipe it clean with a rag or paper towel.
3. Fully reinsert the dipstick into its tube.
4. Pull it out again and look at the oil level indicated between the "min" and "max" marks.
## What the Reference Suggests You Do
Based on the provided guidance:
* **Check Oil Levels and Refill if Possible:** If you confirm the oil level is significantly low (below the "min" mark), you *can try to refill the engine with oil*. Ensure you use the correct type and viscosity specified in your car's owner's manual.
* **Understand the Risk if Engine Ran Dry:** The reference explicitly states: "*However, if the engine has been running for an extended period without oil, adding more oil may not be sufficient*." This is because running dry or critically low for even a short time can cause internal damage that adding oil won't reverse.
* **Towing is Often Necessary:** Consequently, the guidance concludes that in situations where the engine ran for an extended period without oil, "*you may need to tow the car to a mechanic*."
## Why Towing to a Mechanic is Crucial
If your car ran out of oil, especially if the warning light was on for any duration while driving, internal engine damage (like bearing wear, piston scuffing, or even a seized engine) is highly probable. Simply adding oil won't fix this damage.
A qualified mechanic needs to:
* Inspect the engine for signs of damage caused by lack of lubrication.
* Determine the root cause of the oil loss (a leak, burning oil, etc.).
* Advise on the necessary repairs, which could range from replacing seals to a complete engine rebuild or replacement, depending on the severity of the damage.
Attempting to drive a vehicle that has run without oil, even after adding more, can worsen existing damage or cause further component failure.
## Summary of Actions
Here's a quick overview of recommended actions:
| Situation | Immediate Action | Follow-up Action (Based on Reference) |
| :------------------------- | :------------------------ | :------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| Oil light comes on/ suspect low oil | **Stop Driving Immediately** | Check oil level; *can try to refill if possible*. **BUT:** If engine ran low/dry for *extended period*, adding oil *may not be sufficient*; *may need to tow car to a mechanic*. |
## Preventing Running Out of Oil
The best way to avoid this critical situation is through proactive maintenance:
* Regularly check your engine oil level (e.g., once a month and before long trips).
* Follow your vehicle's recommended oil change schedule.
* Address any visible oil leaks promptly.
By being vigilant, you can ensure your engine remains properly lubricated and avoid the significant issues associated with running out of oil.
