Have I caused future damage to my motor by being low on oil?

Question

I checked my oil today, and from the bottom of the dipstick to the minimum marker, I'd say it was about half way or three fourths to the bottom marker. I added a pint because that was all I had. It just put it to the minimum marker, I think. It was hard to tell because it was dark. Have I already done damage to the motor by it just being low and how long can I drive with it on minimum since I'm due for an oil change next week?

Answer 1

as long as you checked it when it was cold and it was above the minimum mark you'll be fine get your oil changed before its due if possible and always check your oil level when its cold

Answer 2

as long as the low oil pressure light did not come on then you should be ok. running that low on oil does create a situation though. the longer that the oil sits in the pan the longer it has to cool off. if you are two quarts low then you have that much less time to cool off the oil causing it to run hotter and increase your chance for thermal viscosity breakdown and burning oil at a faster rate because it is thinner and can get past the seals easier. just take care of the second largest investment that you will make in your life only beat by the home that you live in.

Answer 3

it may not have hurt it ,but it didn't help it none either,but as long as its running good right now and has no knocks or rattles in it its probably alright,but i wouldnt let that happen to many times,if its an older engine it wont take much of that,but its probably alright,really only time will tell,theres no way to predict what it might do in the future,good luck with it.

Answer 4

If your driving has been light, and the pressure hasn't gone to zero, probably not too bad. If you been running on the freeway for extended stretches is worse. If the pressure went to zero is worst of all. You should be OK as long as it doesn't go below minimum before your next oil change, but I'd spring for some more oil in the meantime to be on the safe side.

Answer 5

Why not get the oil changed ASAP with the oil on the add line. If you can't get it done for a few days dump in a quart of motor oil. Why "chince out" and risk engine damage. Cars today don't hold squat for capacity in the oil pans anyway.  

Answer 6

No damage at all was done...Stop worrying,just fill it to the normal level now,do the oil change when needed.