Ever seen that little red light on your dashboard that looks like an oil can? It’s called the oil pressure warning light, and it’s there to let you know if your car’s engine isn’t getting enough oil. If it comes on, pay attention, because low oil pressure can cause serious damage to your engine.
That’s because oil acts as a lubricant that protects all the moving parts of your engine from wear and tear.
When there’s not enough oil, these moving parts may end up rubbing against each other, resulting in overheating, engine seizure, or even engine damage.
If you’ve ever wondered, “Why is my oil pressure light on?” buckle up! In this article, we’ll discuss the possible reasons for the blinking oil light and the differences between oil pressure light and oil change reminder light.
Stay with us!
What Does the Oil Light Mean?
If you’ve ever wondered what the little red blinking oil light on your dashboard means, here is your answer.
The oil pressure light is a crucial indicator of your engine’s health. But there are two factors that should be taken into consideration.
The oil warning light generally indicates two primary issues with your car.
- Low oil levels may happen due to oil leaks, burning or simply forgetting to check and refill the oil tank
- Low oil pressure may happen due to pump failure, clogged oil pickup screens or other engine issues
The low oil level is less severe than the low oil pressure. If the oil level is low, it’s generally safe to drive a short distance to a mechanic or service station for a quick refill.
However, low oil pressure is a critical situation that demands immediate attention. It’s not recommended to drive with low oil pressure because it may result in severe engine damage, including seizing, overheating, or engine failure.
4 Reasons Why Your Oil Pressure Light Is On
The red oil light flashing is not your regular friendly reminder; it’s a dire warning. If you spot an oil light blinking, know that it’s a “stop driving immediately” alarm.
Driving with low oil pressure can spell disaster for your engine. In a matter of minutes, you could be looking at a costly engine rebuild or replacement. It’s like driving a car without coolant. Hence, the consequences can be severe.
Don’t take the risk.
Sometimes, the issue could be as simple as a faulty oil pressure sensor, it could also be a more serious problem like a malfunctioning oil pump or a clogged oil pickup or filter.
Therefore, if the oil pressure light comes on and off, avoid gambling with your engine’s health. Stop driving immediately and have it checked by a mechanic.
Here are 4 reasons why your pressure light is on.
Your Oil Level is Low
Sometimes, there’s insufficient oil in your engine, leading to reduced oil pressure.
Therefore, it’s crucial to check the oil level regularly using a dipstick and refill as needed. Be sure to to use the correct oil type and viscosity as recommended by your manufacturer’s user’s manual.
Your Oil is Dirty
Contaminants, dirt, and debris in your oil can ultimately reduce its efficiency and effectiveness, increasing friction, and wear and tear on engine components. As a result, it may lead to reduced oil pressure.
Additionally, clogged oil filters or pickup screens can also restrict oil flow, leading to decreased oil pressure.
To cater to this, follow your vehicle’s recommended oil change intervals religiously and use high-quality oil filters to trap all the contaminants and debris to keep your oil clean.
Your Oil Pump Needs to be Replaced
Sometimes, the problem lies in your oil pump. A malfunctioning oil pump is usually unable to deliver adequate pressure to lubricate the engine components, resulting in low oil pressure.
Therefore, if your oil pump is faulty, replace it as soon as possible by a qualified mechanic to avoid inconvenience.
Your Oil Pressure Sensor Needs to be Replaced
A faulty oil pressure sensor may create unnecessary problems by providing inaccurate readings. This leads to the oil light flashing occasionally, even if there is sufficient pressure.
Allow your mechanic to diagnose the faulty oil pressure sensor to get it replaced and prevent engine damage.
What Should You Do if Your Oil Pressure Warning Light Comes On?
If your oil pressure warning light suddenly comes on, you need to take immediate action to protect your engine from damage.
As soon as the light illuminates, stop your car and turn off the engine to avoid severe engine damage. Using the dipstick, assess the oil level. In case of low oil levels, add the recommended oil type with the correct viscosity.
If your oil levels are in ideal ranges, inspect for any leaks under your car, if you find one, get it repaired immediately.
In case of low oil levels or leaks, avoid starting the engine until the issue is properly resolved.
Above all, seek professional help from a mechanic to identify the problem and find an appropriate solution.
What’s the Difference Between the Oil Pressure Light VS. The Oil Change Reminder Light?
Oil pressure light and oil change reminder light both cater to your vehicle’s oil. However, there are key differences.
An oil pressure light is an important warning sign that indicates low oil pressure in your engine. It basically tells you that your engine is not receiving sufficient lubrication which may cause engine damage.
See also: why is my oil light coming on
However, the oil change reminder light indicates that it’s time for your scheduled oil change based on the mileage and time intervals. As compared to oil pressure light, it is less critical and causes minimal problems if left unaddressed for a while.
See also: Oil Light Comes On But Oil Is Full
Visit Integrity 1st Automotive Today
Still unsure what’s causing your oil pressure warning light to come on and off? Maybe it’s high time you should seek expert help!
The experienced technicians at Integrity 1st Automotive are well-equipped with the latest tools and expertise to carefully highlight the issue and recommend appropriate action.
Whether you want to diagnose and repair faulty oil pumps and sensors to address oil leaks or perform routine maintenance, our expert team is here to provide top-notch services.
But that’s not all! We also provide oil change services and use high-quality lubricants and oil filters to keep your engine running smoothly.
Contact Integrity 1st Automotive today for professional diagnosis, reliable Auto repairs and complete peace of mind.
Conclusion
Now that you know the actual meaning of low oil pressure and why the oil pressure warning light is crucial for maintaining your engine’s health.
It’s important to recognize the potential issue and take prompt action by seeking professional help. This will prevent costly engine damage and ensure your car’s optimal performance.
The oil pressure light is a critical issue that should never be ignored or taken lightly. To cater to this, you should perform regular maintenance of your vehicle, including oil level checks and timely oil changes to help prevent issues and reduce the risk of encountering this warning in the future as well.
FAQs For Why Is My Oil Pressure Light On
Can You Drive With The Oil Pressure Light On?
No, you should never drive with oil pressure light on to prevent engine damage.
Why Is My Oil Pressure Light On When I Have Oil?
Many factors contribute to this, including a faulty oil pump, clogged oil filters or engine wear or tear.
How Do You Fix A Low Oil Pressure Warning Light?
It depends on the true cause of the problem. Generally, you can replace the oil pump, clean the filters or address other engine issues.
Does Low Oil Pressure Mean Low Oil?
Sometimes, yes. However, low oil pressure can be caused by many factors, including a faulty oil pump or clogged filters.
Will Adding Oil Fix Low Oil Pressure?
If the issue is low oil levels, adding oil will fix the issue. However, if the issue is a faulty pump or clogged filters, it may not solve the issue.
How Much Is It To Fix Oil Pressure?
The total cost depends on many factors, including the cause of the problem and the extent of the damage. It may take a few hundred to several thousand to fix oil pressure issues.
