What Does It Mean When Your Oil Light Symbol Is On?

Come to IPAC Pre-Owned Outlet to learn what it means when your oil light symbol is on.

When the oil warning light illuminates in your dashboard, it can be cause for concern. Engines need oil, and a lack of oil can have destructive consequences. Before you get too worried, ascertain which oil light is lit, do a few quick checks to see maybe why it's on, and then decide the next steps. However, if the light turns on and your engine starts ticking, you should pull over as soon as possible. A ticking engine combined with the oil light probably means that your engine is getting damaged, and driving it in this condition could destroy your engine.

My Car Is Leaking Oil

If your engine is low on oil, it could trigger the oil warning light. Some causes of leaking oil are:

Worn oil filter
Drain plug not correctly sealed
Gaskets have gotten worn
Damaged oil filler cap

Even if you don't work on cars, you can check under the hood for leaks. The engine is going to be dirty, but you can spot an oil leak if you see greasy, wet spots in the engine bay. Adding the missing oil between routine oil changes can be a band-aid fix, but it can still eventually cause low oil pressure if it is not fixed correctly and lead to engine damage.

Make Sure It Is Not Just The Oil Change Light

Is It The Oil Change Light, Or Is It Only The Oil Warning Light

Making sure it's not just a scheduled maintenance reminder is your first step to understanding the oil light. The maintenance reminder may have the same sound and warning light, depending on your car. If you have delayed getting your recent oil change, it might even say 'Change Oil Now' and can look ominous. It's not quite as bad as the oil light but needs to be taken care of, so let us do it.

What Happens If My Car Has Low Oil Pressure?

An engine with low oil pressure will not correctly lubricate all internal components. Unlubricated engine parts will get damaged and cause complete failure if left unchecked. If the engine has the correct amount of oil, then the oil light could be anything from a sensor, the oil pump, or even just low oil pressure. Your car should get inspected by our technicians in these situations. Running an engine on low oil may cause permanent damage.

Schedule Service for a Used Car or Truck In San Antonio

IPAC Pre-Owned Outlet is your ideal destination for all your auto service needs in San Antonio. Our friendly staff is ready to get you and your vehicle back on the road safely, no matter its make or model. Schedule your next auto service with us in person or online.

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What Does It Mean When Your Oil Light Symbol Is On? | IPAC Pre-Owned Outlet