What Causes Insufficient Oil Pressure?
2 Answers
The causes of insufficient oil pressure are as follows: 1. Insufficient oil quantity in the oil pan. When the oil level is below a certain threshold, it will affect the normal oil pumping of the oil pump. 2. The oil quality does not meet the requirements. When the oil exceeds its service life or is mixed with other liquids, it can cause the oil viscosity to be too low, resulting in insufficient oil pressure. 3. Fuel or water mixing into the oil. 4. The oil temperature is too high. 5. The oil filter screen is clogged or the oil inlet passage is leaking air. 6. Insufficient oil pump pressure. 7. Severe oil leakage from the pressure relief valve. 8. Clogging of the oil filter and main oil passage. When the oil passage is blocked (the usual blockage point is the section before the oil pressure sensor), it can lead to insufficient oil pressure. 9. Increased leakage loss in the friction pair.
Last time I drove out, the oil warning light on my car suddenly came on, and my heart skipped a beat—this was no small matter. Insufficient oil pressure is usually due to several reasons: the oil pump might be faulty, possibly due to long-term wear leading to poor oil circulation; or the oil filter could be clogged, with accumulated impurities affecting oil flow. Another possibility is insufficient oil level, which could be caused by leaks or forgetting to check and top up regularly. Poor-quality oil that has expired and thinned out, losing its viscosity, can also result in low pressure. A faulty sensor might also trigger a false warning light. When I took the car for repairs, the mechanic emphasized the importance of regular oil and filter changes to prevent engine overheating or even seizing, which could lead to costly damage. In my daily driving routine, I make it a habit to check the oil dipstick every month—safety first.
