What to Do When the Small Oil Can Light on the Car Dashboard Comes On?
4 Answers
When the engine oil level is too low, causing low oil pressure, it is necessary to top up the oil. If the oil is dirty or too viscous, preventing the oil pump from drawing and pumping oil, leading to low or no oil pressure, an oil change is required. If the oil becomes too thin and leaks through the engine's friction gaps, resulting in low oil pressure, an oil change or cooling system repair is needed. If there is an oil pipe leak, oil pump damage, or excessive wear of its components, causing low or no oil pressure, maintenance is necessary.
When the little oil can light on my dashboard comes on while driving, I know there's an issue with the engine oil. Engine oil is the lifeblood of the engine, and the light usually indicates insufficient pressure or low oil level. Possible causes include oil leaks, a clogged oil filter, or a faulty oil pump. In such cases, you must never continue driving. Immediately pull over safely, turn off the engine, and open the hood to check the dipstick. Wipe the dipstick clean, reinsert it, then pull it out again to check the oil level—if it's below the minimum mark, the engine is low on oil. Quickly find a safe place and top it up with a bottle of the same type of fresh oil. If the light remains on after adding oil, or if the oil level is normal but the light is still on, there may be a deeper issue, such as a faulty sensor. In this case, call a tow truck immediately and have the car inspected at a professional repair shop. Never underestimate this warning—ignoring it could lead to engine seizure and costly repairs worth thousands. Remember to check the oil level regularly; I usually take a look every month. Developing this habit can save you from major trouble.
Don't ignore that little oil can warning light. As someone who prioritizes driving safety, I know it signals engine oil issues. Immediately slowing down and pulling over is mandatory, because continuing to drive with insufficient oil can cause engine seizure - expensive to repair and dangerous. After stopping, turn off the engine and check the oil level using the dipstick from the spare tire compartment. If it's below the minimum mark, you're low on oil; quickly get the appropriate oil from a convenience store to top it up, but be careful not to mix different brands or viscosity grades. If the light stays on despite normal oil level, it's likely a system malfunction - contacting a 4S dealership or repair shop is the wisest choice. I've tried DIY fixes before, but unless you understand electrical systems, you might make things worse. Leave it to professionals for peace of mind. Remember: safety first. Developing a habit of glancing at the dashboard before every drive is smart practice.
Last week while driving, I suddenly noticed the small oil can light on the dashboard came on, which made me nervous and I pulled over immediately. Upon opening the hood to check, I found the oil dipstick level was extremely low – there was probably a leak underneath the engine. Not daring to start the car again, I called for roadside assistance right away and added some temporary oil while waiting for the tow truck. At the repair shop, the technician diagnosed it as a loose oil pan drain plug causing the leak. They replaced the sealing washer, costing me 200 yuan to fix the issue. This experience taught me a valuable lesson: warning lights are serious signals that demand immediate attention, otherwise the engine could be completely ruined. Now I make it a habit to check my oil level every few days to avoid any repeat incidents.
