Has had regular oil changes... noted oil very low. Added oil. How will I know if there's damage done? Prior the car was making a fine sound with acceleration...now its quiet. I noticed there's a little oil leaking underneath.
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1Can you describe the "fine sound?" I assume that the new quiet is a good thing. Often, with low oil, there will be more noise from the valve train – a sort of tapping sound that varies with the engine speed. It is particularly noticeable at idle and may seem to go away as the engine speed increases.– dluSep 30, 2016 at 4:25
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This is a rather vague description. If you were able to see oil on the dipstick, it was most likely not low enough to cause any damage. Now, if you had to add 5 quarts to get it to register on the dipstick, that is another story all together. Please add more details.– CharlieRBSep 30, 2016 at 17:48
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1 Answer
Very low oil won't necessarily cause damage. If oil gets low enough to cause damage, you won't be asking how to tell if there's damage, your engine will likely seize. Meaning smoke billowing out from under the hood and loud metal grinding sound and the car won't start anymore.
Most oil dipsticks are super conservative, the dipstick can be dry and you still have just barely enough oil to operate the engine. For most engines, the oil pressure warning light will come on when oil gets really too low.
Do find where oil is coming from exactly. It's likely an engine seal or the oil pan gasket. Get it looked at. :)
