Can the car still be driven when the oil light is on?
3 Answers
Can the car still be driven when the oil light is on? The car can still be driven when the oil light is on, but the engine oil should be replaced as soon as possible. During the warranty period required by the vehicle manufacturer, if maintenance is not performed in time, engine problems will affect the vehicle warranty. Expired engine oil has adverse effects on engine operation. Engine oil has certain oxidation and water absorption properties. Over time, it will increase water content, causing the oil to deteriorate and its corresponding performance to decline. Engine oil is the lubricant of the engine, which plays the roles of lubricating friction surfaces, assisting in cooling and heat dissipation, sealing and preventing leakage, preventing rust and corrosion, and shock absorption. Under the high-speed operation, high-temperature and high-pressure working environment of the engine, it needs to be replaced regularly. Different oil qualities have different replacement cycles.
After driving for so many years, my experience tells me that you must not continue driving when the oil light comes on. This light indicates low oil pressure, which could be due to insufficient oil level or a system malfunction. Without proper lubrication, the engine will quickly overheat and wear out, potentially causing complete engine failure within just a few kilometers, leading to costly repairs. A friend of mine once insisted on driving to the repair shop after the light came on, and the engine ended up seizing, costing him tens of thousands in major repairs. The best course of action is to pull over immediately, turn on the hazard lights, engage the handbrake, and then check the oil dipstick level: if the oil is low, top it up with the same type of oil to the mid-level mark; if the oil level is normal but the light remains on, call for a tow truck to a professional shop to diagnose the issue—don’t try to save yourself the hassle.
As a new driver, I was extremely nervous when the oil light came on last time, but I remembered my driving instructor repeatedly emphasizing that this red warning light indicates high risk. Engine oil acts like protective lubrication for the engine - without enough, internal components experience increased friction and can quickly sustain damage. Continuing to drive could lead to breakdowns or even smoke, which is both dangerous and costly. I immediately slowed down, safely pulled over, turned on my hazard lights, checked the vehicle manual, and called roadside assistance. Never take chances - wait for inspection before restarting, because safety always comes first.
