Understanding Your Car
Oil Pressure Warning light.
Your dashboard serves as the 'notice board' for all the information that your car needs to pass to you. In the past, old age cars communicated through lights and icons displayed on the dashboard, whereas modern cars typically convey this information in words. This transition is particularly prominent in the new hybrid generation vehicles.
Have you noticed that your Oil Pressure light is on?
What does it mean?
When the Oil Pressure warning light illuminates, it is advisable to switch off your engine. This is done to prevent your engine from suffering severe damage if it runs with low or no oil at all. Ensuring that your engine always has enough oil is one of the simple ways to maintain and extend your engine's lifespan and performance. Your dashboard might display an Oil Pressure Warning if the oil level is extremely low or exceeds the recommended amount.
The Oil Pressure Warning on your dashboard may illuminate cause of various factors, including;
One of the tips for car maintenance is to always check your car before igniting it. Make it a daily routine to check your oil level before switching it on.
How to check your oil level.
- Open your bonnet.
- Remove your oil dip stick.
- The dip stick is labeled L and F (Low & Full).
- Wipe it with a clean cloth and insert it back.
- Remove it again and check the oil stains between L and F marks.
To be safe, the oil stain should be at F or slightly below it.
To ensure your engine runs smoothly, you should service it regularly and flush it when
necessary. Make sure to change the oil and any worn-out spare part each time you go for a service.
Failing to change the oil could result into low oil pressure.
Dirty oil can also lead to the accumulation of deposits and debris in your engine, causing the Oil Pressure
warning light to illuminate.
Engine flush cleans away these oil deposits and debris before pouring in the clean oil.
The Oil pump regulates the oil pressure. With a faulty oil pump, your engine's oil pressure will decrease, and the decreased oil pressure will trigger the Oil Pressure Warning light.
If you have already serviced your engine and pump, but the Oil Pressure Warning light is still on, it could indicate that the sensor is worn out and should be replaced.
In conclusion, dashboard warning lights are critical indicators that should never be ignored. It is essential to familiarize yourself with the various warning lights your car may have and what they mean, as they can help prevent more significant problems from occurring. Ignoring these warning lights could lead to costly repairs or even more severe issues that can jeopardize your safety. Regular maintenance of your car can also help prevent warning lights from flashing on your dashboard in the first place. As always, take good care of your vehicle, and it will take care of you.