When your oil light starts to flicker, consider that as a sign for engine oil change. If your car’s engine oil level or oil pressure is low, the light will come on. Stop the car immediately and check the oil to prevent expensive damage.There are a few potential causes of an illuminated oil warning light, including insufficient oil or a broken sensor. If the oil warning light comes on while you’re driving, stop the car immediately. If your car’s engine is low on oil, it may stall and refuse to restart. If the car were to stop unexpectedly while you were driving, an accident may happen. If your car’s oil light is on, you should not drive it. You need to know why your oil light is on and what to do if it comes on in order to go back to driving safely.
Why Does Your Car Have an Oil Light On?
- Reduced Oil Pressure: This indicates that either the oil level is too low for the system to circulate, or that the oil pump isn’t circulating enough oil. If the oil level or pressure is too low, the vehicle must be brought to a stop and the engine turned off so that the pump and engine may be inspected. The engine might be damaged if you continue driving with little oil.
- Oil Circuit is Worn Out: Over a period of time, the oil circuit may experience gradual deterioration. The presence of minimal clearances between the components in motion may lead to a progressive enlargement of these gaps, thereby resulting in a marginal reduction in the oil pressure. The decrease in oil pressure can also be attributed to the deterioration of the pump over time. In the event that the pressure decreases significantly due to these factors, it is possible for the oil indicator light to activate, necessitating the need for maintenance of the circuit.
- Routine Oil Maintenance:Similar to other forms of car servicing such as battery replacement, tire change, electrical and mechanical repairs,the oil of an automobile should be changed at regular intervals as specified in the vehicle owner’s manual. Failure to replenish the oil stores within the recommended intervals may result in a decrease in oil levels to the extent that the oil light is triggered
- Oil Sensor is Defected:The oil light is activated by a sensor that functions as a probe within the oil passage. The introduction of an extraneous particle into the probe has the potential to induce erroneous communication to the vehicle’s computer system. If the oil levels are within the acceptable range and the indicator light continues to illuminate, it may be advisable to consider replacing the affected component.
What to Do if the Oil Light is on?
- Don’t Drive Further: If the light comes on while you’re moving, pull over to the side of the road to prevent any accidents in the event that the vehicle stops suddenly due to an engine failure.
- Turn Off the Engine:To avoid engine damage, turn off the engine.
- Check The Oil Level: Use the dipstick in the oil well, which is located under the hood of the automobile, to check the oil level. The dipstick should be taken out, cleaned, and then reinserted. Check it out once again to check whether it’s dry or if there isn’t much oil on it. If so, stop driving immediately and get a tow truck to transfer your vehicle.
- Speak with a mechanic: Have your car inspected by a professional to address any oil system issues.
Driving when the oil light is on, is it safe?
No. Low oil pressure or a lack of oil in the system while driving might totally wreck the engine of the car. When the oil light comes on while the vehicle is running or while you are driving, you should immediately stop and get the issue fixed.
