How to Read Pressure on an Oil Pressure Gauge?
2 Answers
First, observe that the outer scale readings are in red, corresponding to the red unit PSI; the inner scale readings are in black, corresponding to the black unit MPa. Align your eyes with the dial scale, ensuring that your eyes, the pointer, and the scale form a straight line perpendicular to the dial. Read the value once the pressure stabilizes. inHg stands for inches of mercury, bar is a unit of pressure; MPa stands for megapascal, where 1MPa = 145 psi; PSI is pounds per square inch.
When driving, I always keep an eye on the dashboard. The gauge marked with 'OIL' is the oil pressure indicator. It has numerical scales or a needle, and the pressure should stabilize between 200 to 500 kPa after the engine warms up—check your vehicle's manual for specifics. Low pressure during a cold start is normal; it should rise as the engine warms. If the needle stays in the green zone or near the middle, it's safe. But if it drops to the red zone or remains consistently low, pull over immediately—it could indicate low oil or a leak. From my experience, topping up oil promptly can prevent major repairs. After ignoring this a few times, my car broke down, costing me hefty repair bills. Make it a habit to glance at the gauges before every trip—it’s a simple step for safety and peace of mind.
