A dipstick is something like a stick(not wooden, of course)that fits just right in the engine and is long enough to get close to the engine’s bottom.
Since engine oil settles to the bottom of the engine, a functional dipstick lets you know the amount of oil you have in your engine. But what happens when there is no oil on dipstick?
In the event of no oil on dipstick, engine damage is a possible outcome. Engine oil is to the car, as blood is to the human body. Car engines simply can’t work well without engine oil because that’s what keeps the engine running smoothly.
Engine oil is designed to form a film that prevents friction between the moving parts and keeps the engine running smoothly.
That is why it is recommended that you do an oil change regularly. In the meantime, let’s take a closer look at the no-oil-on-the-dipstick situation.
What’s A Dipstick?
For every new car owner, it might be puzzling why a car requires a specific dipstick to check the oil levels accurately. That’s why; you should know what a dipstick is and why most cars have only one dipstick.
It would help if you had a dipstick to use your car oil level. Usually, it’s a thin, long piece of metal with a plastic or rubber handle. After inserting this dipstick into the oil filler hole, pull it out. You have to do it to see the oil level on the stick.
The dipstick informs drivers about what’s going on under the car’s hood. Some drivers or car owners call this guidance to car maintenance the engine check or oil stick.
No matter what you say, if your car has a dipstick, you can find it in one way. Just go under the hood of the car and search for it.
Where is Dipstick Located?
While car manufacturers design engines with varying layouts, the engine oil dipstick is typically easy to find. It’s often located on either the driver’s or passenger’s side of the engine compartment, protruding from the engine block or a component attached to it.
Look for a brightly coloured (yellow or orange are common) loop or T-shaped handle. Some vehicles might have two dipsticks: one for engine oil and another, usually red, for checking the automatic transmission fluid.
Always consult your car’s owner’s manual if you’re unsure of its exact location.
The Role Of The Dipstick
The dipstick is made of a long, flat metal rod with a handle made of plastic rings that fit right in the engine.
When engine oil sinks to the bottom of the engine, a working dipstick can tell you how much oil is in your engine.
Although its main function is to show the oil level in the engine, it also performs other functions. You can learn about the quality of the oil through the dipstick. Like how blood flows in the human body, engine oil resembles an automobile.
Without engine could, car engines simply can not function properly since it keeps the engine from sticking.
Engine oil is designed to provide a coating between moving parts, reducing friction and keeping the engine running smoothly. Additionally, it might help you determine the engine’s internal condition.
What Causes No Oil on Dipstick?
Several reasons are there why you might not find oil on the dipstick. Here are some of the common causes that may trigger this issue.
#1. Reduced Oil Level.
If your oil level reduces, it can indicate no oil on your dipstick. Engine oil is an essential part of any automobile, and a lack of it can cause severe issues for your vehicle’s performance. It’s easy to forget to top up or replace a car’s oil while busy with daily tasks.
However, driving a car that is low on oil increases the risk of damage to all rotating components. Low oil increases friction in those parts, resulting in excessive wear. Also, a lack of lubrication increases the engine’s temperature, which can cause overheating.
You may also notice that your engine parts corrode faster. Increased fuel economy is another issue that arises from a reduced oil level.
Since there’s no lubrication, your engine will work harder to function well, increasing fuel usage. At this point, your check engine warning light will turn on to indicate a problem.
#2. Oil Leakage.
Oil leakage is another common cause of no oil on dipstick. If your car leaks, it can cause a quick depreciation of useful oil, which has devastating effects.
There are several reasons for oil spills, and one of the most common is a broken gasket. A gasket distributes oil, coolants, and gasses throughout the engine.
However, the gasket can suffer damage from natural wear or force of impact, causing a leak. Other causes of oil spills include a damaged oil pump, worn seals, or even a crack in your engine.
A clogged or damaged filter can also cause oil to leak from your car, but whatever the case, you’ll always have a low oil level because there are several points oil seeps.
Hence, your dipstick will always indicate no oil, even if you just recently filled your engine. How long does it take for a car without oil to show effects? It takes about 30 minutes until an engine starts to suffer without oil.
Since oil is essential to any engine, it will lose proper function without a constant supply. Although some engines may fail before 30 minutes without oil, the average engine can last up to 30 minutes before it finally stops working.
#3. The Engine May Be Using More Oil Than Usual.
No oil on dipstick can also occur if your engine uses more oil than usual. In this case, you must carry out urgent repairs because it indicates serious trouble with your engine.
When your engine’s oil consumption increases, it may be a sign that you have damaged piston rings or seals.
Also, older engines consume more oil than new engines because their performance has deteriorated. A failed head gasket is also a culprit that increases how much oil the car engine consumes. You may also need to pay close attention to your oil type.
Using oils that are not specific to your engine will increase your fuel consumption. It also causes damage to engine parts. You’ll always have a low oil supply if your engine uses more oil than normal.
#4. Recent Engine Oil Replacement.
It might be surprising, but a recent oil change is a cause of no oil showing on your dipstick. If you’re a new car owner and you notice your dipstick indicates no oil soon after an oil change, you don’t need to fret.
You’ll usually need to wait five or 10 minutes after an oil change before you use a dipstick. This period gives the oil time to settle and spread to parts that need it. Hence, using a dipstick immediately after you change your oil will likely result in a no-oil sign.
#5. Using the Wrong Dipstick.
Sometimes, the problem may have nothing to do with insufficient lubrication or leaks and everything to do with the dipstick. Yes, the dipstick can indicate a “no oil” sign, especially if it is the wrong type. There are two cases where a dipstick can be the wrong type.
First, the dipstick may not suit your vehicle. Contrary to what you may think, every engine comes with its dipstick for a reason.
Using the wrong type will compromise the result for sure. Also, using a dirty or clogged dipstick can affect its readings, resulting in no oil even when there is enough oil in your engine.
How Can We Check To Know No Oil On The Dipstick?
Step 1: Prepare.
Ensure that your car is on the parking level ground with the engine turned off, the gearbox in Park (or a lower gear if it has a manual transmission), and the parking brake applied. Shut the hood off. If you do not know how to resolve it, refer to your owner’s manual.
The hood release lever is often located on the left side of the center console. Additionally, before the hood can be raised, a safety mechanism beneath the front corner of the hood needs to be unlatched.
Step 2: Navigate The Dipstick.
The dipstick is typically identified by a small colored handle, typically yellow or orange, and labeled with an oil can logo. As a result, it is simple to identify where the dipstick is.
Step 3: Pick Up The Dipstick.
Completely remove the dipstick from the tube it is in. It resembles taking a sword out of its sheath. Use a cloth or paper towel to remove oil from the dipstick’s tip.
The lower of the two lines on the dipstick indicates that there is one quart less oil than normal.
The higher line shows that the crankcase, or the car’s oil tank, is full. Additionally, some dipsticks have written indications like “full” and “add” on them.
Step 4: Consider Oil Level.
Carefully place the dipstick into the tube, then press down. Now remove it and look inside; the tip should be covered in oil.
Your car has enough motor oil if the liquid level is in between the two lines. It is time to add a quart if it reaches or below the point.
Step 5: Re-check Engine.
The last action you should think about is this. Wait a few minutes for the oil to drain into the cylinder after adding a quart of oil before checking to ensure the level is between the high and the low levels.
The oil level does not need to be high for your engine to run safely. It only needs to be in the proper place.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing the Issue
The best fixes for no oil on dipstick include topping up your oil and repairing all leaks. You should also service and repair your engine using the right dipstick. Once you can do these solutions, your dipstick should show a positive result.
#1. Top Up Oil.
Perhaps the most efficient fix for no oil showing on your dipstick is to top up the car’s oil. Once you top up the engine oil, your engine works with more smoothness, and your dipstick can make a more accurate reading.
You don’t need to wait until your car stops or the dashboard light comes on before you refill your engine with oil.
It would be best if you did this as often as possible. Likewise, you must ensure you are using clean oil for your car. If the oil looks worn or dirty, drain it before topping up the engine. An important thing to note when filling your engine is its capacity.
Different engines have different capacities, and you need to know yours to avoid overfilling. Overfilling can cause an overflow, leading to more spills.
Once you can increase the level of your oil, you will find that it resolves the main problem. You also prevent wear and tear, corrosion, engine overheating, and overall damage to your vehicle.
#2. Fix All Leaks.
Since leaks contribute to low oil supply to the engine, you should make sure that you fix all leakage points. Ensure you inspect the entire engine and transmission compartment for any cracks or visible damage. Repair your broken seals, gaskets, and damaged oil pump.
Once you can fix the points where the leak occurs, your oil will last longer. Hence, your dipstick won’t indicate any oil whenever you check, even when you fill your engine often.
Fixing engine leaks can be tedious unless you have technical knowledge. If you don’t, you should reach out to a licensed mechanic for specific diagnoses and repairs.
Trying some DIY techniques without proper knowledge can cause further damage to your engine and other parts.
#3. Check and Repair Engine Issues.
If you are dealing with your engine consuming more oil than normal, that’s your cue to check and repair underlying issues.
You should fix your worn piston rings or seals if you notice they are causing the problem. Likewise, servicing your old engine may reduce the amount of oil it consumes.
Although replacing an old engine with a new one can be expensive, we recommend this option. Servicing an old engine might seem like it doesn’t cost much. However, this expense builds up because the engine will require constant servicing.
A new engine may cost much in purchase and installation, but you won’t need to spend much on constant servicing. This reduces the rate at which your engine consumes oil and makes your car perform better.
#4. Ensure You Use the Right Oil.
Using the right oil for your engine is an underrated fix. You can always refer to your car owner’s manual or a professional mechanic for the right type of oil for your vehicle. The right oil will work perfectly and reduce the rate at which the engine is consuming oil.
Aside from using the specified engine oil, it would help if you also bought high-quality oils. Although low-quality oils are cheap, they don’t work as well as the former.
They tend to dry up faster, and this can cause damage to your engine parts. Using the right type of oil will keep your engine lubricated and prevent wear, rust, or overheating.
#5. Make Sure Your Oil Is Being Poured Into the Right Place.
Another efficient fix is to ensure you’re pouring oil into the right compartment. Although one can consider it a beginner’s mistake, some people may pour oil into their transmission instead of the engine.
If this happens, your dipstick will indicate no oil when you place it in the engine. Hence, you should ensure that you’re pouring the oil into the right spot.
How soon after filling the engine does oil appear on the dipstick? It takes five to 10 minutes before the oil starts appearing on the dipstick.
Hence, we advise vehicle owners to wait some minutes after filling the engine before checking with a dipstick for an accurate reading.
#6. Change or Clean Your Dipstick.
Finally, you can fix the problem of no oil showing on the dipstick by changing or cleaning your dipstick.
If you’ve misplaced the dipstick that comes with your engine, you can order one from the manufacturer’s website. You can also get it from any reputable auto parts store.
With the right dipstick, you can get a more precise reading. Likewise, it would help if you cleaned your dipstick every time you use it to check your fluid level.
You don’t have to wait until there’s a grime or dirt buildup before cleaning. Besides, cleaning a dipstick doesn’t require much except a clean paper towel or rag. Hence, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t clean your dipstick right after use.
How Much Oil Should Be On The Dipstick?
The dipstick has two marks on it, one says “Low,” and the other says “Full.” It is recommended that the oil level fall between the two markers.
If the dipstick in your automobile has a crosshatch pattern rather than marks to indicate the level, then the level should be somewhere in the middle of the crosshatched area.
However, if you are unsure about how much oil should be on your dipstick, check the owner’s manual for your vehicle.
You should always have a dipstick in your car while driving. It is critical to keep an eye on the oil levels in your vehicle’s engine and transmission, which might be reduced if leaks occur.
However, It is possible to operate and drive a car for a few hours without the dipstick if necessary.
How Do I Use A Dipstick?
Here’s a quick step-by-step guide on how to use a dipstick:
- Ensure the car engine is turned off and cooled down for at least 10 minutes to let the oil settle.
- Open the hood and locate the dipstick’s brightly colored handle, labeled “Engine Oil” or “Oil Level.
- Remove the dipstick from the tube by pulling it straight out.
- Use a clean cloth or paper towel to wipe off the dipstick’s end and remove excess oil.
- Reinsert the oil dipstick back into the tube, ensuring it is fully seated.
- Pull the dipstick back out and check the oil level. The dipstick will have two marks or lines that indicate the minimum and maximum oil levels. The oil level should be between these two marks.
- If you have less oil than the minimum mark, add more oil to the engine until it reaches the maximum mark.
- Replace the dipstick into the tube and close the hood.
FAQs.
Q: What happens if there’s no oil in your car?
Your car engine thrives on engine oil. That is why you want to avoid situations where there is no oil in your car. When your car engine is running, many of its internal parts move at high speeds, and there is an increased possibility of friction occurring at such rates.
The engine oil ensures that contact between these parts is smooth. When there is no oil in your car, these parts start to grind against each other, causing engine damage.
How do you tell if the engine is damaged from no oil? You will probably see symptoms like white smoke from the engine and an engine knocking sound.
Q: Is It Safe To Drive Without Oil Dipstick?
Driving around without your oil dipstick might not be unsafe, especially when it doesn’t happen often. This is because it is rare for debris to get into the engine through the uncovered dipstick hole within a short drive.
The problem with driving around without the oil dipstick arises when you do it often, and you have to go by some very dirty, dusty roads.
Then, there is the issue with excess oil pressure in the crankcase, causing the engine oil to flow out of the dipstick tube when there is no dipstick inside. The risk of contaminating the oil increases in such cases, and you are better off avoiding them in the first place.
Q: How long can an engine run without oil before damage?
It all depends on the engine and how it was built. The rate of no oil on dipstick engine damage depends on the load and the speed of the engine. However, on average, the crank and the rod bearings get damaged within seconds.
For some cars, it might take a few minutes before you notice any symptoms. For others, it might take a while longer before the engine stop running.
The time it takes for these symptoms to occur differs from car to car. However, for all types of cars running on internal combustion engines, the engine’s damage begins within a few minutes.
Q: What If the Oil Level is Too High?
When there is too much oil in the engine, the excess oil goes to the crankshaft. Since the oil is moving at very high speeds in your engine, it is only a matter of time before the oil mixes with air and becomes foamy.
This can be a problem because when the oil gets to this state, it becomes difficult to offer adequate lubrication to the engine.
Why? The engine oil needs to form a film that allows the engine parts to move smoothly against each other. Foamy oil froths, so the lubrication is not as effective as it should be.
Q: Why is my oil light on if it’s full of oil?
Your oil light is a sign that you don’t have to ignore if you want to avoid severe engine damage. Here are some reasons why your oil light is on even when your engine is full of oil.
A Worn Oil Pressure Sensor: The oil pressure sensor monitors the car’s oil pressure and lets you know when it is too low for comfort. A worn sensor could send the wrong signals that cause the oil light to come on.
A Bad Oil Pump: This situation will prevent adequate oil circulation. Once this happens, the oil light will come up even if there is enough oil in the engine.
Final Words
Your car should never be short on engine oil if you want it to remain in excellent condition. Maintaining the optimal quantity of fuel in your engine is the best way to ensure this.
One great way to do this is via your dipstick analysis. Going by the way the oil dipstick is built, it is easy to know your engine’s oil level.
No oil on a dipstick can be a potentially problematic situation if you do not go about it the right way. Thankfully, this article can serve as a resource that helps you manage such a condition when/if it occurs.