Why Is My Car's Oil Light On? Understanding Low Oil Pressure and Warning Signs
If a warning light appears on the dashboard of your car, it can be worrying, but it's important to stay calm, especially if you're on the road. There are many different lights on the dashboard, and when some appear, it can be OK to keep driving to the nearest garage, but others may mean that you need to pull over immediately. One warning light that can cause confusion is the oil light. If it appears, it can indicate low oil, a drop in pressure or an overheated engine. In this article, we will explore where you can find the oil warning light and what the different oil warning problems can mean.
Where Can You Find the Oil Warning Light?
One of the first things you should do when driving a new car is to acquaint yourself with the controls on the dashboard. Many lights and warning alerts are standardised across different makes and models of cars but it is important to check the owner's manual if there are any lights you are unsure of. The oil lamp in a car will usually look like an oil can, and in some cars, the word oil may be present next to or under the light. When it is lit, it may be red, orange or yellow, depending on the severity of the problem. The oil light may also flash to show how urgent the issue is.
Why Does The Oil Warning Light Come On?
If the engine oil low sign is illuminated or flashing, it may indicate one of the following issues:
Low Oil Levels
This is the most common cause of a car oil light warning. Every petrol and diesel car engine needs oil to keep all the moving parts lubricated and to reduce friction. If there is a lack of oil, the engine could seize up or become critically damaged. Checking your oil levels is an important car maintenance job, and you should take your car to a garage for an oil change every six months or 5000 miles, whichever comes first. At Protyre, we offer different levels of car service which all include an oil and oil filter change. Simply use our find a garage service to locate the nearest Protyre garage to you.
Low Oil Pressure
If you've checked your oil levels and they are normal, the problem could lie with your vehicle's oil pressure sensor. Electrical problems or faulty wiring can make the sensor malfunction and trigger the warning light. It is best to ask for expert advice if you suspect this is the problem as a garage can run a full diagnostic test of your engine to locate the problem.
Clogged Oil Filter
The oil filters in your car help to maintain the oil pressure. If they become dirty or clogged, the pressure will increase, the oil flow will reduce, and the oil warning light will come on. If this happens, you will need to have the oil filter replaced to allow the engine to operate normally.
Overheated Engine
If your car is burning through oil quickly, it can make the oil light illuminate. This can also be combined with the engine making a clicking sound. If this happens and you don't seek advice from a garage, your engine could become damaged.
If You're Unsure, Ask For Advice
If the oil warning light comes on in your vehicle, it is important to find out as soon as possible what the problem is. Getting mechanical advice from a local garage like Protyre can help you solve your oil warning light issues, in addition to providing MOTs and servicing and helping you choose new tyres from top brands like Bridgestone and Pirellli.
Frequently Asked Questions
You should check your vehicle's oil level at least once a month and before any long trips. It's important to do this when the engine is cool, and the car is parked on level ground. For older vehicles or those that consume oil more quickly, checking every couple of weeks is advisable.
To check your car's oil level, park on level ground, wait for the engine to cool, then locate and remove the dipstick. Wipe it clean, reinsert it fully, then remove it to read the oil level against the markings. For oil pressure, you'll need a pressure gauge attached to the oil pressure sender unit, which is typically a job for a mechanic.