Oil indicator light: causes, meaning and instructions for action

 

The oil indicator light is an important indication of possible problems around the oil circuit of a car engine. If this light comes on, there can be various reasons. What are these possible reasons? What should be done then? And what consequences can there be if you ignore the oil indicator light?

The importance of the oil indicator light

The oil indicator light can be seen when something is wrong around the oil circuit. In the worst case, this can ensure that the engine is no longer sufficiently lubricated and this in turn can lead to serious damage. Depending on the car, the oil light can light up in different ways. You can find out which signal stands for which problem in the car's manual.

Why does an oil indicator light come on?

So let's take a closer look at the most common reasons for a glowing oil indicator light.

Low oil level

In some cars, natural oil loss can occur. In other cases, however, leaks cause the oil level to be too low.

Problems with the oil pump

If the amount of oil is right, but the oil pressure is too low, it is often due to problems with the oil pump. If it can no longer do its job reliably, this causes an inadequate supply of all relevant components in the engine.

Problems with the oil filter

The oil filter frees the oil from unwanted particles that could damage the components to be lubricated. In the long run, however, the oil filter can become clogged. If this is the case, this can be another reason for a glowing oil indicator light.

Sensor error

In rare cases, the sensors can also be defective and provide false information, even though the amount of oil and oil pressure are okay.

Instructions for action: What to do?

What should you do if the oil indicator light comes on?

• Stop: As a first reaction, you should stop as quickly as possible. After that, you can get to the bottom of the problem in peace. Especially in the case of more serious problems and causes, it can lead to serious damage if you simply continue your journey.
• Check the oil level: The first station of the cause investigation leads to checking the oil level. To do this, the engine should first be allowed to cool down for a few minutes. Then you can check the oil level with the help of the dipstick.
• Find a possible oil leak: If the oil level is unexpectedly low, it could be due to a leak. Therefore, troubleshooting continues with looking for a possible leak in the engine compartment or underbody.
• Workshop visit: In the vast majority of cases, it is advisable to take the car to a workshop. There, the professionals can reliably find and fix the cause.

Oil lamp lights up despite enough oil

If there is enough oil, the oil indicator light can still light up because something is wrong with the oil pressure or the oil filter. In most cases, this can be clarified with a professional oil change in the workshop.

Preventive measures

In keeping with the possible problems, the preventive measures are largely self-explanatory. You should check the oil level regularly, use only high-quality engine oil and be sure to observe the service intervals for the oil change.

The most frequently asked questions about the oil indicator light

How long can you continue driving when the oil lamp is on?

If the oil lamp is on, you should stop as soon as possible and find out the cause.

Is it bad if the oil lamp is on?

Ignoring the oil lamp can have serious consequences for the engine, for example if certain parts are no longer sufficiently lubricated.

What does it mean when the oil lamp is lit?

A glowing oil lamp indicates too little oil, problems with the oil pressure or with the oil filter.

The Motointegrator online shop

If there are problems with the oil circuit in your car, you will find the right parts such as new oil filters, oil pumps or even the engine oil itself in top quality from well-known manufacturers here in the award-winning online shop of Motointegrator.