What are the causes of low oil pressure?
2 Answers
Oil pressure is low due to: 1. Insufficient engine oil storage; 2. Dirty or viscous oil; 3. Oil thinning or thinning caused by high engine temperature; 4. Oil pipe leakage; 5. Excessive clearance between the crankshaft and bearing shells. The effects of low oil pressure are: 1. Increased abnormal wear inside the engine; 2. Seizure of engine bearings, piston burning, and inability to use mechanical components normally. Engine oil, also known as engine lubricant, is composed of base oil and additives. It serves to lubricate and reduce wear, assist in cooling, seal against leaks, prevent rust and corrosion, and provide shock absorption for the engine.
When I first started driving, I encountered low oil pressure issues, and later realized there's quite a bit to it. The most common cause is insufficient oil—check the dipstick half an hour after parking to see if the level is below the minimum mark. Another issue is using oil with the wrong viscosity; oil that's too thin in summer or oil that's expired and degraded can affect oil pressure. For older cars with over 100,000 kilometers, pay special attention as bearing clearances in the engine increase, causing oil leaks like a funnel. Last time in my car, the oil filter was completely clogged—the mechanic said it needs replacing every six months. Don't underestimate this problem; insufficient oil pressure can cause bearings to grind dry, scattering metal shavings, and potentially requiring major engine repairs in no time.