What are the causes and hazards of insufficient engine oil pressure?

[VonRuby]

Here are the specific reasons for low engine oil pressure: 1. Severe oil loss: Severe oil loss can lead to a state of low oil pressure. It is necessary to check whether there is any external component leakage or internal leakage causing oil burning. Additionally, oil with low viscosity or poor quality can also be a cause. 2. Electrical component failure: Inspect the oil pressure switch, engine wiring harness, and instrument cluster to ensure they are functioning properly. If the oil pressure measured with a pressure gauge is within the standard range and there is no low oil pressure condition, the issue may be due to faulty electrical components causing the instrument cluster indicator to falsely signal low oil pressure. 3. Oil pump filter screen blockage: Or problems with the internal pressure relief valve can cause low oil pressure. Repairing or replacing the oil pump can resolve this issue. Below are the specific hazards of low engine oil pressure: 1. Abnormal wear: The engine primarily relies on oil for lubrication. Continuing to drive with low oil pressure can lead to abnormal wear of internal engine components, resulting in noise and part damage. In severe cases, it can cause bearing seizure, piston burning, and mechanical component failure, necessitating a major overhaul or engine replacement.

[AlexMarie]

I've been driving for over a decade, and insufficient oil pressure is quite common. The most frequent cause is low oil level, either due to leaks or oil burning. Another reason could be a faulty oil pump, just like when the heart doesn't pump enough blood. There's also the possibility of oil being too thin or the filter being clogged, blocking the oil passage. The consequences are severe. Engine components rely entirely on oil for lubrication. Insufficient pressure leads to dry friction, causing temperatures to skyrocket. At best, parts wear out faster; at worst, it can cause cylinder scuffing or bearing seizure, completely destroying the engine. The last time I encountered this, I shut off the engine immediately when the red light on the dashboard came on and had it towed to the repair shop. Otherwise, the repair cost could have been half the price of a new car.

[Josiah]

Insufficient oil pressure is like insufficient blood supply in the human body, with many possible causes. Low oil level is the simplest, possibly due to leaks or excessive consumption; the oil pump may be worn or stuck, reducing pumping efficiency; incorrect oil viscosity, too thin like water, can't maintain pressure; internal engine wear, such as excessive bearing clearance, can't retain oil pressure. The consequences are severe—insufficient lubrication leads to direct metal friction, which can melt crankshaft bearings and seize piston rings within minutes, causing the engine to fail outright. Driving like this long-term not only results in repair costs exceeding tens of thousands but may also lead to breakdowns and accidents on the road.

[OBethany]

My car had an engine oil pressure warning last time. The possible causes were dirty oil clogging the filter screen or a deformed oil pan affecting oil supply. The hazards are very real: sudden increase in engine noise, a sharp rise in fuel consumption, and reduced power. The worst fear is rapid wear of internal components, with repair costs ranging from thousands to tens of thousands. So I've developed the habit of checking the oil dipstick monthly and changing the oil every 5,000 kilometers on schedule. After all, prevention is much more cost-effective than repair.