What symbol indicates low engine oil in a car?

[EdwardDella]

The car warning light is an oil can-shaped icon with a wavy line underneath. A yellow oil light indicates that the oil level is below the standard lower limit; a red oil light means the oil is severely lacking, possibly due to a leak or a fuel supply system malfunction. Below are the solutions when the oil light comes on: 1. When the yellow oil light comes on: Open the engine hood, wait for about 3-5 minutes, then pull out the dipstick to check the oil level. If the oil level shown on the dipstick is not within the normal range, you need to add oil up to the standard level. 2. If the oil level is within the normal range, the cause of the light is likely a sensor issue. 3. When the red oil light comes on: It is not recommended to continue driving. Stop the car immediately and wait for assistance.

[LaJames]

I've been driving and repairing cars for over a decade. When the engine oil is insufficient, an oil can icon light will illuminate on the dashboard, usually in a noticeable orange or red color. This symbol indicates low oil pressure, which could mean either the oil level is too low or there's an issue with the oil pump. The safest action is to stop the vehicle immediately for inspection, otherwise the engine could seize or even be completely destroyed due to lack of lubrication. Open the hood and check the oil level using the dipstick - it should be between the marked lines. If it's low, add some oil. Developing a habit of regular cold-engine checks can prevent this issue, typically every 1,000 kilometers or weekly. Some people delay addressing it and end up causing major damage, resulting in doubled repair costs and compromised safety.

[LaEleanor]

Last time I drove myself on a business trip, the little oil can light on the dashboard suddenly lit up, which really scared me. I quickly pulled over, turned on the hazard lights, and checked the dipstick to find the oil was almost empty. Luckily, I had spare oil in the trunk, added it, and the light went off. This incident taught me the importance of regularly checking the oil to avoid trouble. Now I always check it before refueling. If you see this symbol, don’t guess the reason—stop and deal with it immediately. My buddy delayed and drove home, only for the engine to seize up, costing thousands in repairs. It’s always good to keep some spare oil in the car for emergencies.

[McHadley]

Simply put, when a car is low on engine oil, the oil can light will illuminate on the dashboard. If you see this light, pull over safely without hesitation. Open the hood and check the oil dipstick—if the level is low, add oil, but adding too much can cause problems. It's best to check when the engine is cold for more accurate readings. Continuing to drive poses a high risk of engine damage. To prevent issues, check the oil condition monthly—it saves money and gives peace of mind.