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Can low engine oil cause misfire?

I was driving my car when a warning light came on signaling that my oil pressure was low. Shortly after, my engine stumbled and misfired. I am wondering if the misfire was caused by my low engine oil or if the two are unrelated. Can low engine oil cause a misfire?

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Kara Vanderbeek · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Driving with a misfired engine can cause serious damage, so it’s best to figure out what caused the event as soon as possible.
Low engine oil can cause a misfire, and it is very likely that the cause of the misfire was indeed the low oil pressure in your vehicle.
There are three common ways low oil can cause a misfire:
  • Your oil filter is damaged, reducing oil flow, causing improper valve timing, and resulting in a misfire.
  • Decreased oil flow has worn down your engine parts, causing a misfire.
  • Low oil pressure has caused your engine to run out of fuel, dropping the RPMs and causing a misfire.
In any case, you should have your oil levels assessed immediately to avoid any further misfires.
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