What are the effects of insufficient oil pressure on a car?
2 Answers
Insufficient oil pressure can have the following effects on a car: 1. The dashboard will display an oil pressure warning light, shown as a red oil can-shaped fault indicator; 2. If the oil level is displayed as too low, it will affect the oil supply pressure; 3. Increased engine noise; 4. The oil pressure gauge will show a pressure below 200kpa. Engine oil provides crucial lubrication for the engine and also serves functions such as cleaning, cooling, rust prevention, and sealing. Therefore, if oil pressure becomes insufficient, continuing to drive will undoubtedly cause irreversible and severe damage to the engine.
Having driven for a lifetime, I'm all too familiar with the issue of insufficient oil pressure. Low oil pressure leads to inadequate engine lubrication, causing direct friction in critical components like crankshaft bearings, which accelerates wear and rapidly increases temperature. If this persists for a long time, parts are prone to burning out or cylinder scoring, engine noise becomes louder, fuel consumption soars, and in severe cases, the entire engine may be ruined. Possible causes include low oil level, oil pump failure, or a clogged filter. I've repaired many cars where owners ignored the warning light, turning small issues into major problems. I recommend regularly checking the oil dipstick, changing the oil on schedule, and ensuring stable oil pressure to keep the engine running well for years.
