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You see the outline of an oil canister illuminate on your dashboard - and your heart drops. This type of dashboard light is a very important warning implication. This light can symbolize several things regarding your engine oil. A red or flashing light indicates low pressure in your oil, which is one of those scenarios that you should never overlook. In fact, when you see this light on, it is essential to stop your engine and stop driving. You should get your car to a mechanic immediately if you encounter this situation. However, a yellow oil light, or one that is continuously lit, means that you're on low oil levels. We are going to go over the specifics of this instance today.
We're all well aware that the vehicle requires oil to run, considering you must get your oil changed around every 3-6 months. Without the proper levels of lubricant, your engine is at risk for some serious engine damage. This is because motor oil has the significant job of lubricating the engine and its parts to reduce the wear of operating components. Oil also does the job of regulating internal temperatures. When you take the engine oil out of a vehicle, you'll get metal-to-metal contact and a quick, overheating engine.
Typically, the oil warning light will come on when there is an oil leak somewhere in your system. Engine oil is stored in the oil pan and is eventually pumped through the oil filter before flowing through the engine.
Here are some of the reasons for a (continuous) low oil warning light to turn on:
- There is too little oil left in the oil pan
- There is an oil leak somewhere in the system, usually a head gasket
- Piston rings are worn
- You accidentally put the wrong type of oil in your car
- Worn valve guides
- Poor engine assembly, such as unsecured piston rings
Regardless of the cause, you should tend to an oil light ASAP! We invite you to bring your car, SUV, or truck into City Garage as soon as you see this light come on. You'll thank us later!