What Causes the Oil Can Light to Illuminate in a Car?
2 Answers
The illumination of the oil can light in a car indicates a low oil pressure alarm, which is essentially the oil pressure warning light. When this light comes on, it generally signifies insufficient oil pressure, which can severely impact the performance of the car's engine and even endanger it. In such cases, it is advisable to add oil as soon as possible. The specific functions of oil in a car are as follows: 1. Cooling and Temperature Reduction: Oil carries heat back to the oil tank and then dissipates it into the air, aiding the radiator in cooling the engine. 2. Cleaning and Purification: High-quality oil can circulate carbon deposits, sludge, and worn metal particles from engine components back to the oil tank, flushing away contaminants from the working surfaces of the parts through the flow of the lubricant. 3. Sealing and Leak Prevention: Oil forms a seal between the piston rings and the piston, reducing gas leakage and preventing external contaminants from entering. 4. Rust and Corrosion Prevention: Lubricant adheres to the surfaces of parts, preventing contact with water, air, acidic substances, and harmful gases. 5. Shock Absorption and Cushioning: When the pressure in the engine cylinder port rises sharply, suddenly increasing the load on the piston, piston skirt, connecting rod, and crankshaft bearings, the lubricant transmitted through the bearings helps cushion the impact load. 6. Lubrication and Wear Reduction: There is rapid relative sliding between the piston and cylinder, as well as between the main shaft and bearing shells. To prevent excessive wear, an oil film must be established between the two sliding surfaces. A sufficiently thick oil film separates the surfaces of the relatively sliding parts, thereby reducing wear.
The other day while driving to work, the oil can light on my dashboard suddenly lit up, which made me panic. I immediately pulled over and called my mechanic friend. He said it was most likely due to insufficient oil or oil pressure issues, such as low oil levels from using too little oil or unstable pressure from an aging oil pump in an older car. He had experienced it himself and warned that if not addressed promptly, the engine could overheat and seize, leading to costly repairs. After getting home, I checked the manual, which recommended regularly inspecting the oil dipstick to monitor oil levels and topping up if it's below the standard. Regular maintenance, like changing the oil every 5,000 kilometers, can prevent such issues. Driving is no small matter—safety comes first. After learning this lesson, I no longer slack off on maintenance to avoid trouble.
