Driving Test Tips

  • Learn to Drive
  • Driving Theory Test
  • Driving Test Tutorials
  • Tips for Passing the Driving Test
  • Driving Schools
  • Car Tips
  • Driving Tips
Home Dashboard Warning Lights Why Has the Engine Oil Light Come On?

Why Has the Engine Oil Light Come On?

Your cars engine is full of many moving metal components that operate at high speeds. As they move, they create friction which in turn generates heat.



Engine oil is designed to operate at high temperatures and depending on the make and model of your vehicle, this is generally between 80°C to 100°C when the engine has reached optimal running temperature.

The engine oil light will typically come on due to there being insufficient oil. All engines consume oil and how much depends on the engine type, its age, your driving style, quality and type of oil used and engine temperature.

Can you Drive with the Engine Light On?

If there is insufficient engine oil, the internal moving components will receive less lubrication. An increase in friction will inevitably increase temperatures, which if left neglected will likely result in seized, damaged components. An engine rebuild or a new engine may be required.

It is advised that you do not drive if your engine oil light comes on. Ideally, always carry in your car a small bottle of oil and if the light comes on, stop as soon as safely possible, turn off the engine, check oil levels and replenish as required. After you have replenished oil levels, start the engine and only use the vehicle if the light has gone out. Check for any oil leaks.

  • How to check engine oil levels

Driving with the engine oil light on not only risks severe damage to the engine, but if the engine fails whilst on the move, there’s a risk on an accident.


The Engine Doesn’t Require Oil

Low engine oil pressure dashboard warning light explained

The low engine oil / pressure dashboard light is usually red to signify that the problem is urgent

If the engine oil light stays on after replenishing oil levels, or the engine didn’t require an oil top up, this indicates an issue with oil pressure. Turn off the engine and do not attempt to drive the vehicle. Unfortunately you will have to call for a tow truck and have your car taken for repair.

Low oil pressure means that oil will not be circulating through the engine as it should and can equally cause damage as though there’s not sufficient oil. Possible reasons could be a faulty pressure sensor, failing oil pump or contaminated oil / sludge.

Engine Oil Light After Service / Oil change

You may have had an oil change or service and notice a light or message regarding an issue with engine oil. Most modern cars have indicators or messages that inform the owner that an oil change is due after a certain amount of time or miles have passed. Engineers who service your vehicle should resent this, but on occasions do forget. You can either take the vehicle back and ask them to reset it (takes a minute or two) or there should be instructions in your vehicle owners manual.


Oil Light Comes on with Ignition

Because the engine has not started, there will be no oil pressure and once you have started the engine, the light should go out. This is perfectly normal.

Oil Light Comes on During Braking or Stopping

This can be caused by low oil levels, so the first thing to do is stop, turn engine off and check oil levels after a few minutes. Other factors may include the oil pressure sending switch / unit which controls relays information to the oil pressure gauge or light

Other factors may cause the oil light to come on during braking or stopping such as a worn connecting rod, crankshaft main bearings or a clogged oil pump pickup screen.





Driving Test Tips

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

CAR MAINTENANCE AND CARE TIPS
  • Best Cars for Young and New Drivers
  • Buying a Used Car Tips
  • Buying a New Car Tips
  • Electric Cars Guide
  • Car Insurance Help
  • Petrol or Diesel Car, Which is best?
  • Automatic or Manual, Which is Best?
  • Car Maintenance Tips
  • Make a Car Safety Emergency Kit
  • How to Service a Car
  • How To Park a Car
  • How to Prevent Car Theft
  • Car Battery Life and Maintenance
  • What is a Catalytic Converter and How they Work
  • Tyre Legal Limit Check
  • What is Engine Coolant / Antifreeze & when to Use It
  • Dashboard Warning Lights
  • How to Push Start a Car
  • Car Lights Law
  • How to Wash a Car
  • Guide to Buying a New Car
  • Defrosting Car Windows Tips
Specific Car Makes and Models
  • Audi Dashboard Warning Lights
  • BMW Dashboard Warning Lights
  • Citroen Dashboard Warning Lights
  • Fiat Dashboard Warning Lights
  • Ford Dashboard Warning Lights
  • Honda Dashboard Warning Lights
  • Kia Dashboard Warning Lights
  • Land Rover Warning Lights
  • Nissan Dashboard Warning Lights
  • Peugeot Dashboard Warning Lights
  • Renault Dashboard Warning Lights
  • ŠKODA Dashboard Warning Lights
  • Vauxhall Dashboard Warning Lights
  • Volkswagen Dashboard Warning Lights
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • International Drivers Tips
  • Driving Instructor Training Advice
  • About Driving Test Tips
  • Contact Driving Test Tips
2020 © Driving Test Tips
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept Reject Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Non-necessary

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.