Causes the Oil Light to Come On & How Do I Fix It

Are you having trouble seeing the oil light on your dashboard? When the oil level warning light on your dashboard illuminates, it means there is a problem with your car’s oil pressure. But don’t worry! It’s an all-too-common problem and one that can quickly lead to car trouble. 

In this article, I’ll cover oil-light symptoms and what could be causing them. I’ll also show you how to fix the problem. So stay tuned for all the details on the oil light! 

What Does It Mean When My Oil Light Comes On?

The oil light is a warning your car’s engine receives when the oil level is low. If it stays on too long, it means that there’s a need for more oil. It’s very important to check this warning light regularly.

 Different engines have different oil levels, which could result from different reasons. For example, if the car has been in an accident, you’ll need to replace the engine parts. The lower it gets, the greater the risk of failure and explosion. 

Never ignore this warning since not checking your oil level regularly could lead to an accident that endangers you and others. 

What Causes the Oil Light to Come On?

There are many reasons why the oil light might come on. These could be anything from your engine getting some dirt in it to mechanical wear and tear. Here are some of the common causes of this light: 

Tire pressure

Tire pressure is one of the most important things a mechanic checks regularly. When you have low tire pressure, the oil level in your car can drop. It makes it harder for the engine to get enough oil to work properly. After a certain time, no matter its angle, a set of brakes will force this oil light to come on since it supplies critical braking pressure. 

Passenger airbags

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Passenger airbags are common in modern cars. If you’ve ever been in an accident and deployed airbags, this can strain your engine. When the airbag activates, there will be a much stronger push from inside the car. It could cause damage to the engine because the force of impact is going to be much stronger. 

Water mister

Some cars contain a water mister to help you defrost the windshield. If this is used, dust and dirt may get into the engine and cause engine wear. In general, air conditioning should keep your engine cool and oil from getting too heated. However, excessive dust or debris in your car could put you in danger because it could cause premature engine wear. 

Engine block heat

The engine block of your vehicle produces a lot of heat. One of the many ways to get your engine heat is from friction. However, if you have a lot of wear and tear in your engine, the friction will be stronger and cause the engine to overheat. 

Low oil level

Your vehicle’s oil level is tested to determine if there’s a need for more oil. Vehicles with lower oil levels may not come on the oil light. However, it’s still a very important indicator that you must check regularly. If this warning light stays on long enough, it could harm the engine and put everyone in danger. 

How Do I Fix My Oil Light?

Occasionally, your oil light will come on because it isn’t related to the engine. In these cases, there are ways to help solve this problem. Here are some things you can do to fix this issue: 

Check your oil level: One of the main ways to fix this problem is by checking your oil level. If you notice insufficient oil in your vehicle, you can add some before driving again. You can refer to your owner’s manual or check the oil level yourself. 

Wait until the vehicle cools down: Sometimes your engine overheats because of increased friction or water damage. When the car’s engine gets too hot, it might lock up and put you in danger while driving. It’s always better to wait a bit before returning to the road to allow your car to cool off before driving again. 

Check your tire pressure: If your tire pressure is too low, there’s a good chance that this problem could be related to this issue. Tire pressure is another important indicator of potential engine issues. Some factors can cause this problem. One is the weather, especially if you drive in the rain. Another reason is if you have a flat tire.  

Repair the fuel delivery: The engine of your vehicle uses fuel to receive power. If there’s not enough fuel going into the engine, it will put too much pressure on it, causing problems with your oil light and other issues. You should always check the fuel level in your car before driving again to ensure you have enough power before taking a ride on the roadways.

FAQs  

Is it safe to drive with the oil light on? 

Yes, it’s completely safe, and a good thing that your car has this feature because it means your car is working properly. If there’s any possibility of the engine breaking down with too much wear and tear, you’ll know about it before you drive. Instead, you’ll have to wait until the leak occurs in full force to cause serious damage. 

Can low oil damage the engine? 

Yes, it can. If your car’s oil is too low, you may notice some fuel going into the wrong cylinder or other engine-related issues. If low oil turns out to be the root reason, fixing the damage could be rather expensive. 

How long can you go without an oil change?

It depends on the kind of lubricant you use and how much synthetic oil you have. Most engines need regular oil changes because synthetic oil attracts dirt and dust. Synthetic oil leaves a residue in the engine, requiring more frequent oil changes.

Final Word 

 A broken oil light can indicate something is wrong with your vehicle. You must act quickly to solve this problem because you might have serious engine damage. If your car has an OBD2 sensor, you should check your oil level before touching the vehicle. 

It will determine if the engine has enough or too much wear and tear. If there’s a leak somewhere in the engine, you can use a drain plug to repair the oil light. It’s always best to check your owner’s manual to see if there’s a way to solve this problem.

David Richard

As a mechanical engineer, it’s easy for David to explain the functionality of the tool. David test most of the tools before writing a review. its help him to learn something new and suggest the best product for you.