Is your car’s dashboard flashing a red oil light?
This indicates a severe issue with your vehicle’s oil pressure. To prevent further engine damage, the safest action is to pull over immediately.
Wondering how to prevent the oil light from coming on in the first place?
Read on to discover the common causes behind the oil pressure light and what steps you should take to keep your engine running smoothly.
This Article Contains:
- 6 Critical Reasons Your Car’s Oil Light Is On
- Is It Safe to Drive with the Oil Light On?
- 3 FAQs about the Oil Light
6 Critical Reasons Your Car’s Oil Light Is On
In some vehicles, the oil pressure light resembles a genie lamp with a drop of oil, while in others, it’s a red light labeled ‘OIL’.
The oil warning light will appear if your vehicle is experiencing any of the following issues:
1. Low Oil Level
When the engine oil level drops, oil pressure decreases, triggering the red light.
But that’s not all!
A low oil level can mean a lack of proper lubrication, increasing friction between moving parts. This friction can cause severe engine damage and overheating.
How do you check your car’s engine oil level?
- Park your vehicle on a level surface and let the engine cool.
- Locate the dipstick in the engine bay.
- Remove the dipstick from the tube and wipe it clean.
- Reinsert the dipstick back into its tube and pull it out once again.
- If the oil level is at or below the “low” mark on the dipstick, your engine has a low oil level.
In this case, add the recommended motor oil specified in your owner’s manual.
2. Dirty Engine Oil
Motor oil runs through the vehicle’s engine, picking up dirt and debris. When too much gunk accumulates in the oil, it can lead to low oil pressure. This can cause the oil pressure warning light and the oil change light to activate.
How do you identify contaminated engine oil?
If the car’s engine oil appears sludgy, dark brown, or black and gives off a foul smell, you need an oil change service.
You can check the oil’s color and condition on the dipstick when you pop the hood to check the engine oil level. Clean, fresh oil is typically amber in color and has a slightly runny viscosity.
3. Clogged Oil Filter
If you wait too long to get an oil change, dirt and other particles can build up, clogging the oil filter. This restricts oil flow, leading to low oil pressure and an illuminated oil light on your dashboard.
In this situation, the best course of action is to replace the oil filter. This will restore normal oil flow, ensure proper lubrication, and prevent engine overheating.
How do you know if your oil filter needs replacement?
A clogged oil filter may trigger black exhaust fumes, ticking noises from the engine, and decreased engine performance.
However, many manufacturers recommend replacing the oil filter every time you get a routine oil change, regardless of whether there are any warning signs.
4. Faulty Oil Pump
A damaged oil pump may fail to generate enough pressure to circulate oil through the vehicle’s engine, causing the low oil pressure light to appear.
How do you identify a damaged oil pump?
Engine overheating and whining noises from the oil pump indicate that the part may be failing. Have a trained technician diagnose this issue promptly to avoid catastrophic engine damage.
5. Damaged Oil Pressure Sensor
The oil pressure sensor monitors your vehicle’s oil pressure and alerts you if it drops below a safe level. However, like any other component, it can wear out over time and give false readings that trigger the oil pressure warning light.
How do you know your car’s oil pressure sensor is failing?
If your car’s oil pressure gauge constantly fluctuates or shows abnormally high or low readings, it could indicate a faulty oil pressure sensor. In some cases, the check engine light may also come on.
6. Oil Leakage
Sometimes, an oil leak can cause your engine’s oil level to drop, triggering the low oil pressure light.
How do you check for oil leaks?
Park your car on a level surface for a few hours and inspect the ground underneath for oil droplets or puddles. If there’s a puddle under your vehicle, you may have a cracked oil pan or worn gasket that requires urgent attention.
Here’s the kicker:
Sometimes, the oil leak can be internal, meaning the oil might leak into the combustion chambers and burn. In this case, your vehicle will emit blue exhaust smoke and produce a burning oil smell.
Note: Not every oil leak is engine oil. For example, a faulty air conditioning system may leak compressor oil, which would affect your AC’s performance but not activate the oil warning light.
Now, let’s see if you should drive with the engine oil light on.
Is It Safe to Drive with the Oil Light On?
No, it’s risky to drive your vehicle when the oil pressure warning light is on.
The warning light indicates that your vehicle has low oil pressure. Driving a car with low oil pressure can quickly result in severe engine damage — which is an expensive fix.
Have more doubts about the oil pressure light?
Keep reading to resolve them.
3 FAQs about the Oil Light
Here are answers to common queries related to the engine oil light:
1. How Do You Prevent the Oil Light from Coming On?
Follow these tips to keep the oil warning light at bay:
- Go for a routine oil change and filter replacement at recommended intervals to prevent low engine oil pressure.
- Use high-quality lubricants and fresh oil that meet American Petroleum Institute (API) standards.
- Check oil levels and inspect for leaks or blue exhaust smoke, particularly in high-mileage vehicles.
Most importantly, stop driving immediately if the low pressure light comes on and consult a trained technician.
2. What’s the Difference Between the Oil Pressure Light and the Oil Change Light?
When the oil pressure light (typically an oil can or a genie lamp icon with a drop of oil) comes on, it means the oil pressure in your vehicle’s engine has dropped. It’s usually accompanied by a low oil pressure gauge reading.
The oil change light (a warning with the words “CHANGE OIL” or “OIL LIFE”) signals that your car is due for an oil change service or an oil filter replacement. Sometimes, this light may illuminate because the maintenance cycle wasn’t reset during your previous service.
Unlike the oil change light, the oil pressure light is a critical concern and should be addressed immediately to prevent engine damage.
3. Why Is My Oil Light Still On When the Dipstick Reads Full?
If your car has enough oil and the engine is running smoothly, but the oil light stays on, the issue could be a faulty oil pressure sensor. Even if you keep up with regular oil changes, this sensor can fail over time.
Have the car inspected and the sensor replaced by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible.
Address an Active Oil Light Promptly with AutoNation Mobile Service
An oil pressure light requires immediate attention, signaling that something is wrong with your vehicle’s oil pressure. Ignoring it can lead to serious damage. If you find yourself in this situation, it’s best to avoid driving and consult seasoned mechanics for a proper diagnosis.
Why not let AutoNation Mobile Service handle the issue right from your driveway?
We are a mobile auto repair and maintenance service available seven days a week. With upfront pricing, online booking, and a 12-month, 12,000-mile warranty on all repairs, we make it easy to get your car back on the road.
Contact us to fix your car problems right away!