What to Do When Engine Oil Pressure Is Too Low?
4 Answers
The solutions for low engine oil pressure are: 1. Check the oil pressure gauge and sensor, replace them if they are malfunctioning; 2. Check if the oil viscosity is normal, replace it with oil of appropriate viscosity if not; 3. Inspect and adjust the pressure relief valve on an oil pump test bench to restore normal oil pressure; 4. Clean the oil pipes and passages, and maintain the filter; 5. If the crankshaft resistance is too high during engine rotation, perform a break-in. The causes of low oil pressure include: 1. Insufficient oil quantity; 2. Contaminants in the oil blocking the oil passages; 3. Oil being too thin; 4. Damaged sensor; 5. Insufficient spring tension or improper adjustment of the pressure relief valve; 6. Severe oil leakage in the lubrication system pipes; 7. Oil fine filter damage and leakage; 8. Excessive clearance in main bearings, connecting rod bearings, or camshaft bushings.
A few days ago, while I was driving, the oil pressure light on the dashboard suddenly came on, and I saw the pressure was too low, which gave me a scare. I quickly pulled over, turned off the engine, and popped the hood to check the dipstick first. After pulling out the dipstick, wiping it clean, and reinserting it to check, I found the oil level was below the minimum mark—definitely not enough oil. So, I grabbed a small bottle of spare oil from the trunk and slowly added it until the level reached the middle mark. After restarting the engine, the light went off. If adding oil doesn’t help, it might be an issue with the oil pump or a leak, and you’d need to contact a repair shop immediately. Low oil pressure shouldn’t be ignored, as it can cause engine friction and overheating, leading to cylinder scoring—which is extremely expensive to fix. That’s why I always keep a bottle of oil in my trunk and make it a habit to check the oil level myself every month.
As a veteran driver with twenty years of experience, I've encountered low oil pressure several times. Initially, I would check the dashboard warning light and immediately pull over to turn off the engine. Checking the oil level is simple: pull out the dipstick and add oil if the level is below the mark, but avoid overfilling to prevent spillage. If the oil level is sufficient, it might be an oil pump failure or sensor malfunction, requiring a professional repair shop to diagnose with specialized equipment. I change the oil every three months, using the appropriate viscosity grade for the season to prevent oil passage blockage or aging. Regular maintenance ensures the car runs longer. If oil pressure drops, don't panic—drive slowly to a safe location and address the issue. Prevention is far more cost-effective and hassle-free than repairs.
When encountering a low oil pressure warning, I immediately stop and turn off the engine. The first thing to check is the oil level; if it's insufficient, top it up promptly. If the oil level is adequate, the issue might be insufficient oil delivery from the pump, a clogged filter, or internal engine leakage. I usually perform a simple test: after adding oil, restart the car. If the pressure returns to normal, it indicates low oil was the cause; otherwise, the problem might lie in the electrical or mechanical components. Get it repaired as soon as possible to avoid long-term low friction causing increased wear. Spend half a minute checking the oil level before driving daily to save on repair costs.
