What to Do When the Engine Oil Light Comes On?

[LeKaden]

When the engine oil light comes on, the vehicle should not continue to be driven and needs to be pulled over immediately. Below are the reasons why the engine oil light may come on: 1. Insufficient engine oil: Normal oil consumption can cause the oil pump to deliver less oil due to the reduced oil level, eventually leading to a drop in oil pressure and triggering the oil light alarm. 2. Engine overheating: Prolonged aggressive driving can put the engine in a high-temperature, high-load state. Even if the oil level is sufficient, the high temperature can thin the oil, causing it to leak through the gaps and resulting in a drop in oil pressure. 3. Oil pump failure: If the components of the oil pump are excessively worn or improperly assembled, causing excessive clearances, the oil pump may fail to deliver oil or deliver insufficient oil, triggering the oil light alarm.

[SanRachel]

When the oil light comes on, you really can't take it lightly. I've encountered this situation and you need to act quickly. First, park the car in a safe place and turn off the engine. Insufficient oil is the most common issue. Wait for about 5 minutes, then pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it, and measure the oil level. If the oil level is low, quickly add the same type of engine oil until it reaches the middle of the scale. However, if the oil level is sufficient but the light is still on, it could be due to a faulty oil pressure sensor, a clogged oil filter, or a problem with the oil pump. In such cases, you should call a tow truck and have the car inspected at a repair shop. Make it a habit to check the oil level when the engine is cold, especially for older cars that burn oil. Changing the oil and oil filter every six months can prevent many problems.

[OEzra]

My experience is that when the oil light comes on, the first thing you should do is not to start the engine. After parking and turning off the engine, wait for it to cool down, then check the oil dipstick. If the oil level is low, top it up, but if the light remains on after starting the engine, do not continue driving—this could indicate poor internal oil circulation or a faulty oil pump. In such cases, I immediately call for a tow truck. Additionally, if you notice white emulsification or metal particles in the oil, it indicates a serious problem. Forcing the engine to start could lead to cylinder scoring and major repairs. Lastly, make sure not to use the wrong oil specification. Turbocharged cars are best suited for full synthetic oil, as mineral oil can easily clog the oil passages.

[Jameson]

When the oil warning light comes on, I immediately turn off the air conditioning to reduce engine load and pull over to a safe area for inspection as soon as possible. Besides checking the oil level, also look for any oil leakage traces on the ground, as leaks from pipe connections can also trigger the warning light. If the light comes on shortly after an oil change, it might indicate abnormal consumption due to mechanical failure. Sludge buildup from prolonged oil neglect is even more troublesome. If adding oil makes the light go off, it's recommended to visit a workshop promptly for an oil pressure test to identify potential issues, especially concerning oil pump lifespan in older vehicles with over 100,000 kilometers.