What does it mean when the oil can light comes on in a car?
2 Answers
There are two situations that may cause the oil can light on the vehicle dashboard to illuminate: 1. The first is when the oil can light on the vehicle dashboard appears yellow. If the oil can light on the dashboard is yellow, it indicates that the engine oil level in the vehicle is too low, but you can still drive for a short distance. In this case, it is essential to add engine oil to the vehicle promptly. 2. The second situation is when the oil can light on the vehicle dashboard appears red. If the oil can light on the dashboard is red, it means the engine oil level in the vehicle is critically low. Continuing to drive under these conditions can cause damage to the vehicle. Therefore, when the oil can light on the dashboard turns red, you must stop the vehicle immediately, call for assistance, and wait quietly for help to arrive.
That oil can light coming on is really worrying, I’ve been there before. It usually signals an oil issue in the car—maybe the oil level’s too low due to a leak, or the oil pump’s failed. My first advice is to pull over somewhere safe immediately; driving further risks engine overheating or even total failure. Then, check the dipstick yourself: pull it out, wipe it clean, reinsert it, and check where the oil level sits. If it’s too low, try topping up with the right fresh oil. If the light stays on, it’s serious—like a faulty pump or sensor—and you’ll need a mechanic ASAP. Don’t ignore this; I once drove long-distance with the light on and ended up with a huge engine repair bill. Regular oil changes and leak checks can prevent these headaches.
