Running an engine low on oil is one of the worst things you can do to your Subaru Legacy. The Legacy comes with both four-cylinder and six-cylinder engine options, but both engines require engine oil to operate properly. Oil provides the lubrication your engine needs for the components to keep working together without generating too much heat or friction, which will damage the components, often permanently. Running low on oil can significantly shorten the lifetime of your engine and prolonged operation with little to no oil can cause thousands of dollars worth of damage to your vehicle.
The Legacy, like most newer model vehicles, is equipped with a warning system that will let you know if your engine oil is running low. An oil warning light will come on if there is a problem with your oil pressure or level. You can also keep an eye on the oil gauge located on your dash. If the levels begin to show above or below normal, you should check your engine oil to make sure your vehicle has an adequate supply.
When an engine runs low on oil, it will begin to make knocking and pinging noises as metal engine components come into contact without the protection of lubrication. This will cause wear and tear, including scraping, denting and warping of various pieces and parts. It is fairly common for an engine that is running low on oil to making knocking or tapping noises as the rods and lifters come into contact with the cylinders.
Engines running low on oil are also running at less than peak capabilities. An engine that is run significantly low on oil may not accelerate or respond as quickly as it normally does and may completely stop functioning as time goes on if the situation is not remedied. In some cases, the loss of oil will leak to the engine, slinging a rod or piston out of position and no longer functioning at all. If this occurs, the Legacy's engine will need to be completely replaced or rebuilt.
