Causes and Solutions for Low Oil Pressure
3 Answers
Here are the possible causes and solutions for low engine oil pressure: 1. Wear and tear of the oil pump, or wear or foreign objects in the pressure relief valve. 2. Insufficient oil storage. 3. Oil is dirty or too viscous after prolonged use. 4. Excessive wear of components, large clearance in camshaft bearings. 5. Faulty oil pressure sensor, gauge, or circuit. Here are the solutions for low engine oil pressure: 1. Lift the car, inspect along the pipeline, identify the problematic area, and repair or replace it promptly. 2. Add a bottle of the oil used during maintenance. Of course, identify and fix any oil seepage or leakage issues. If the engine is burning oil, take it to a 4S shop for inspection and repair. 3. First, clean or replace the oil pump, then refill the car with new oil. After the change, ensure oil quality and strictly adhere to maintenance standards.
I've encountered oil pressure warnings several times in my twenty years of driving. The most common cause is insufficient oil level, often due to forgetting maintenance or oil leaks. If the warning light comes on, immediately stop and check the dipstick, topping up with the same type of oil if it's low. However, if the warning appears right after maintenance, it might be due to a worn oil pump causing insufficient oil supply or clogged oil passages. Once, my car had unstable oil pressure after parking on a slope, and the mechanic said it was due to a deformed oil pan causing poor oil pickup. Engines that have undergone major repairs are more prone to oil pressure issues; excessive bearing clearance can cause oil to leak through the gaps. Important tip: Don't keep driving! It can lead to cylinder scoring and engine failure. In emergencies, you can idle to the nearest repair shop, but it's best to call a tow truck and have the vehicle inspected by professionals for key components like the oil pump, filter screen, and oil pressure valve.
Last week, my cousin's car triggered an oil pressure warning, so he called me for advice. The most common causes are insufficient engine oil or the use of low-quality oil. I told him to pull over, turn off the engine, and check the dipstick level after it cooled down—if it was below the minimum mark, he should top it up with some oil as an emergency measure. However, if the oil level is sufficient but the warning persists, it’s often due to a clogged oil filter that needs replacement. Winter can be problematic because low temperatures thicken the oil, making it harder for the oil pump to draw, especially in sub-zero regions. Older cars should also be checked for faulty sensor warnings—if the dipstick reading is normal, there’s no need to panic. I recommend changing the oil and oil filter every 5,000 kilometers and regularly inspecting the undercarriage for oil leaks. If the warning continues even after multiple top-ups, it’s essential to visit a repair shop to inspect the oil pump and oil pan—this expense should never be skipped.
