The oil offers lubrication to every car part to help it run smoothly. Apart from this, oil changes change should be strictly incorporated as part of the vehicle’s maintenance routine. One also needs to inspect things that don’t work appropriately, such as the vehicle’s engine. These issues are highlighted by indicator lights and demand attention from you. Here is what you should do if you notice an oil change light is on:
Understanding Oil Pressure
It is the responsibility of the oil pump to fetch oil from the oil pan and deliver it to every engine passage. Sometimes the tolerances are so tight that the oil starts moving under extreme pressure so that every part is lubricated properly. The engine oil pressure gauges are steady, while in the case of others, it starts fluctuating considering the engine’s RPM. Normal engine oil pressure often falls between 25-40PSI. Some gauges don’t have pressure value but have an “Ideal Zone” that is mentioned on the gauge.
Gauges are generally used to calibrate the PSI levels or with an ideal shaded area that can be used to determine any issue. However, you’ll sometimes come across cars without a gauge, and an illuminating check engine light indicates an issue. Illuminating checks engine light calibrates oil pressure in real-time in the same way as blood pressure is monitored in the human body. If your pressure reduces suddenly, then immediate attention must be given to such a situation.
How to Distinguish Between Guages & Warning Lights?
Gauges
Warning Lights
Both oil indicators and oil gauges have a distinct role to play inside the car. The oil pressure gauge gives constant reading revealing actual oil pressure or range at a given time while the engine is running.
Sometimes, the sending unit triggers the light during a malfunction that takes place while there are issues with oil pressure or oil levels. You might face issues like sensor malfunction or the oil and engine issues that need immediate attention from your end. Too high or too low oil pressure can damage the engine completely, and engine replacement will resume the vehicle’s working.
Oil Change Light Meaning
Vehicles are expected to go through maintenance, servicing, and oil change. Most individuals believe that the indicator and check engine light are exactly the same but they aren’t. You can fix illuminating check engine lights by yourself or take the car to a qualified mechanic who would do the needful.
The light of every vehicle must be set separately and the owner’s manual must be consulted considering the vehicle you own in mind.
How to Fix Low Oil Pressure Issues?
Sometimes the oil pressure reading cab moves to an unexpected range not followed by flashing or red illumination:-
1. A reading that goes below 10 PSI or 70 PSI indicates an internal issue that demands attention from you.
2. Ignoring these concerns would lead to major issues later on. A no-oil pressure situation takes place in case of a failed oil pump and is accompanied by other issues that need to be resolved.
3. In case of no or low oil pressure, it’s better to park the car at a safe place and shut it down. You’ll be able to drive in low oil pressure for a few minutes, and after that, you will be taking it to the mechanic for an engine replacement.
4. Once you’ve shut down the vehicle, have a look at the oil levels. Check oil leak underneath the vehicle.
5. Situations such as ruptured oil filters happen in rare cases, but they can be observed after an oil change.
6. If there is any major leak, it will be visible to you. Issues can be internal, or at times, the guage light needs to be replaced.
7. Oil pressure issues accompanied by illuminating check engine light take place & every situation must be handled cautiously.
The Bottom Line
Don’t ignore issues like an illuminating check engine light as it could lead to costly engine replacements later on. Consulting a qualified mechanic would be the best course of action or fix these issues by yourself if you have sound technical knowledge.