Oil Pressure Low Stop Engine: What To Do When This Light Comes On
Seeing an “oil pressure low” or “stop engine” warning light come on while driving can cause immediate alarm. But, safely assessing the situation and taking the proper steps is key to preventing major engine damage. This common warning sign requires promptly pulling over, turning off the engine and determining the cause.
What The Oil Pressure Warning Light Means
The oil pressure warning light indicates that oil is not circulating through your engine properly. Engine oil functions both as a lubricant and to help remove heat by circulating through internal channels.
Enough oil pressure is crucial. It lubricates high-friction parts and prevents excess wear and overheating. Insufficient pressure can lead to failure of key components like bearings, pistons and cams.
An oil pressure sensor or switch typically located in the crankcase activates the light. When oil pressure drops below the normal operating range, the sensor triggers the warning light on the dashboard.
Reasons For Low Oil Pressure
There are several potential causes of inadequate oil pressure:
Low Oil Level : An oil level too low to reach the oil pickup tube and pump is the most common reason for low pressure. Oil may be low due to leaks, burning oil or neglecting routine changes.
Incorrect Oil Viscosity: Using the wrong weight oil can lead to low pressure. It’s wrong for your engine and how you use it.
Worn Bearings : Excessive bearing wear or failure allows oil to escape rather than pressurize.
Damaged Oil Pum :Problems with the pump components can prevent building proper pressure.
Clogged Oil Filter : A blocked filter restricts flow, reducing pressure.
Sludge Buildup : Thick sludge or deposits can obstruct oil channels.
In rare cases, the mechanic may have installed the wrong oil pump.
What To Do When The Light Comes On
If the oil pressure warning activates, follow these important steps:
- Safely Pull Over : Carefully maneuver to the side of the road as soon as possible. The location should be flat, stable and well clear of traffic. Avoid steep hills or curves.
- Shut off the engine now. It will prevent catastrophic damage from running without oil pressure.
- Check Oil Level : Pop the hood and check the dipstick. If oil is low, carefully add small amounts of the proper type oil for your car, rechecking the level frequently.
- Inspect Obvious Issues : Look for any noticeable leaks near gaskets, seals and underneath the car. Check that oil cap and filter are properly secured.
- Contact Mechanic : Unless the cause is obvious like very low oil, have the car towed to a professional mechanic for diagnosis. Running the engine before inspection risks significant damage.
Never try to drive the car if the oil pressure warning light stays on, even after adding oil. Safely towing the vehicle protects the engine from further wear.
Preventing Low Oil Pressure Problems
Routine maintenance helps avoid many oil pressure issues:
Regular Oil and Filter Changes : Follow manufacturer intervals of around 5,000-10,000 miles. Use the specified oil weight and quality.
Address Any Leaks : Oil leaks are a common cause of low levels leading to insufficient pressure. Seal leaks promptly.
Don’t Overfill Oil : Adding too much oil can potentially aerate and thin it, reducing pressure.
Replace Worn Bearings : Catch and replace worn bearings before they leak oil flow.
Use Proper Components : Make sure the oil pump, sensor and pressure switch are operating per specifications.
Change Driving Habits : Aggressive acceleration and braking wears parts more quickly. Ease up on the pedals.
Listen for Noises : Unusual engine noises can say problems before the light comes on. Diagnose sounds early.
Check Pressure Periodically : Some cars have oil pressure gauges you can check. Look for any drops from normal pressure.
Driving With The Light On Ruins Your Engine
Once the oil pressure drops low enough to trigger the warning light, your engine is in danger of serious damage. The rotating and sliding components depend on oil’s lubricating and cooling properties to function.
Without adequate pressure, parts grind and scrape rather than having a smooth oil film separating surfaces. Extreme frictional heat also builds up, warping and wearing down components.
Running an engine more than a few seconds without oil circulation damages vital parts like:
- Camshaft : Hardened bumps open and close valves. Insufficient lubrication and local hot spots can wear, erode or break the cam.
- Crankshaft : The main rotating shaft relies on oil to prevent friction in the journals. Scouring damage in the journals throws off tolerances.
- Pistons : Gas pressures and friction create intense heat on piston walls. Oil cools them and allows smooth movement in the cylinder. Dry pistons may seize or melt from heat.
- Machined surfaces are bearings. They have tight clearances. This is true for main, connecting rod, and cam bearings. Running dry destroys these surfaces through scuffing and overheating.
The repair bill from such destruction can easily total thousands of dollars. Replacing most of these components essentially means rebuilding the engine. That’s why immediate action when the light comes on is critical.
Conclusion
Never ignore oil pressure warnings. Safely pull over, turn off the engine immediately and determine the cause. Address any low oil level or leaks. Significant damage starts occurring within seconds of the light coming on, so never attempt to drive to a shop.
Pay attention to clues like noises that could say issues before pressure drops too low. With good care and driving habits, you can avoid oil pressure warnings. But when it happens, take prompt action to protect your expensive engine investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I drive with the oil pressure light on?
Never attempt to keep driving once the oil pressure warning activates. Safely pull over and shut off the engine within seconds to avoid destruction of internal components.
Will adding oil resolve the low pressure warning?
If the cause is a low oil level, adding oil may temporarily increase pressure. But, we should still diagnose the underlying issue of oil consumption. Other causes must repair, not just adding oil.
What if the light goes off after adding oil?
Even if the light turns off after adding oil, take the vehicle to a mechanic. Oil leaks or damage may have already occurred, requiring repairs before safely driving the car.
Can I carefully drive the car if oil level is fine?
Under no circumstances should you run the engine with the oil pressure warning light illuminated, even if oil levels seem OK. Severe internal wear can happen quickly.
What type of mechanic should inspect the low pressure?
Have the vehicle towed to a professional automotive technician or dealership mechanic. Low oil pressure requires specialized diagnostic equipment and knowledge to assess accurately.
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