What are the causes of engine oil pressure failure?
4 Answers
Reasons for low oil pressure failure: 1. Insufficient oil quantity leading to low oil pressure. 2. Oil pump wear or damage causing low oil pressure. 3. Engine overheating leading to oil aging and deterioration resulting in low oil pressure. 4. Suction filter blockage causing low oil pressure. 5. Pressure relief valve damage or improper adjustment leading to low oil pressure. 6. Oil cooler leakage resulting in low oil pressure. 7. Oil viscosity being too low causing insufficient pressure. 8. Malfunction of oil pressure display device leading to low oil pressure.
I've been repairing cars for over a decade, and here are the common causes of oil pressure failures: First is insufficient oil level - when the oil pan level is too low, it causes pump cavitation. Second is wear or damage to the oil pump itself, such as excessive gear clearance leading to inadequate oil supply. Additionally, a clogged oil filter restricts circulation, naturally causing pressure drop. Internal engine wear is another major issue - for example, excessive crankshaft bearing clearance allows oil to leak through gaps. There's also cases where owners choose wrong oil viscosity - oil that's too thin can't maintain pressure at high temperatures. Finally, don't overlook false sensor readings - sometimes a faulty pressure switch can trigger the warning light. When the warning comes on, first pull over safely, check the dipstick level to rule out simple issues before sending for repair.
Last time my car's oil light also came on, and it took me a while to figure out the reason. Mainly, the oil level was too low, possibly due to oil burning or leaks. Another issue was that the oil filter hadn't been changed for too long, and dirt had clogged it up. Another pitfall was using the wrong type of oil—too thin to stick properly. Internal engine wear is even more troublesome; excessive bearing clearance is like a sieve leaking oil. Some also say it could be a faulty oil pump or the oil pickup screen clogged with sludge. Electrical issues can also be deceiving, with faulty sensors triggering false alarms. I've now developed a habit of checking the oil dipstick every two weeks and making sure the mechanic uses the correct oil type during oil changes.
This issue is most likely to occur due to inadequate maintenance. Insufficient engine oil level is the primary cause, so it's essential to regularly check the dipstick. Over time, the oil pump wears out, leading to reduced oil supply capacity. If the oil filter becomes clogged, oil flow is restricted, resulting in low pressure. Using low-viscosity oil incorrectly can also fail to maintain pressure under high temperatures. In older vehicles, internal engine wear can cause oil leaks. Personally, I make it a rule to change the oil filter every 5,000 kilometers and specifically opt for high-viscosity oil during oil changes. If the oil pressure warning light comes on, never ignore it—stop the vehicle immediately, turn off the engine, and wait for professional assistance to ensure safety.
