When the oil warning light illuminates in your dashboard, it can be nerve-wracking. Oil is absolutely necessary for an engine, and a lack of it can have disastrous consequences. Before you get too concerned, determine which light is lit, do a few easy checks to see maybe why it is on, and then figure out your next steps. However, if the oil light comes on and your engine starts ticking, you should pull over as soon as it is safe to do so. An oil light combined with an engine that is ticking means that it’s getting damaged, and continuing to drive it could ruin your engine.
What’s The Difference Between The Oil Change Light vs. Oil Warning Light?
Making sure it’s not just a scheduled maintenance reminder is your first step to understanding the oil light. Depending on your car, the maintenance reminder may have the same warning light and alarms. If you have delayed getting your last oil change, it might even say ‘Change Oil Now.’ It’s not quite as bad as the oil light but ought to be corrected, so let us do it.
Low Oil
The oil light can be set off if your engine is low on oil. Some normal reasons for leaking oil are:
Incorrect oil filter replacement
Oil pan drain plug not correctly sealed
Engine gaskets have deteriorated
Oil filler cap is not fully tightened
Even if you aren’t a service tech, you can open the hood and look for signs of oil leaks. The engine is going to be dusty, but you can spot an oil leak if you see greasy, wet spots. Adding oil between routine oil changes can be a band-aid fix, but it can eventually cause low oil pressure if it’s not taken care of and lead to engine damage.
What’s Low Oil Pressure?
An engine with low oil pressure will not correctly lubricate all of the components. An engine that is not correctly lubricated will be damaged and can eventually cause complete failure if left unchecked. If you have confirmed the engine has the correct amount of oil, then the oil light could be anything from the oil pump, a sensor, or even low oil pressure alone. Your vehicle needs to be immediately inspected by our trained technicians in these kinds of situations. Running an engine on low oil can cause total engine failure.
Schedule Lexus Service In Houston
Sterling McCall Lexus Clear Lake is one of the best places to get an oil change in the Houston area. We proudly service all makes and models of vehicles. Visit our location online or in person to schedule service and repair for your car or truck. Our friendly technicians are ready to serve you.
