How To Fix Your Low Oil Light
Without a doubt, one of the most damaging things you can do to your vehicle is to forgo or delay oil changes.
Because of this, most vehicles are equipped with sensors that remind you when your oil needs attention. However, you shouldn't wait for your Low Oil Light to be illuminated to provide your vehicle with the attention it deserves.
Instead, it's best to proactively schedule oil changes every 3,000 miles, 5,000 miles, or as suggested by the manufacturer. Doing so will help prevent the dreaded low oil light and protect your vehicle.
Let's take a closer look at the Low Oil light, what it means, and how you can fix it.
The Down Low on the Low Oil Light
Your engine is comprised of hundreds or thousands of moving parts. Rubbing against each other at high velocities, these parts generate massive amounts of friction and heat. To reduce the amount of friction, pressurized oil is used to coat and lubricate these components. The pressure is created by an oil pump that is operated by your engine. However, when the minimum oil pressure value isn't attained, the Low Oil warning indicator on your dashboard will illuminate.
What Causes Low Oil Pressure
There are a number of issues that can trigger this common warning indicator.
Insufficient Oil
Your vehicle's oil consumption will increase as it ages, which underscores the importance of having regular oil changes at Girlington Garage. Oftentimes, the oil can be consumed because of:
Leaks through oil plug
Leaks through seals
Burning caused by worn piston rings
Consumption through evaporation
If you're low on oil and it's not time for an oil change, simply topping it off may be a solution. But if you spot oil underneath the vehicle, it may indicate a leak. It's vital to have the leaking component repaired as quickly as possible to protect your engine.
You Use the Wrong Oil During Oil Changes
Every vehicle is different, which is why it's vital to refer to your owner's manual for specifics, especially oil viscosity. If your oil viscosity is too high or low, your vehicle may interpret it as a loss of engine pressure in your oil supply. Consider this:
Oil viscosity that is too high can cause greater resistance from the oil being circulated. This can cause a reduction in the level of lubrication in the system, which means lower pressure.
Oil viscosity that is too low will generate insufficient resistance to the flow through your system. This can cause your oil pressure sensor or gauge to detect an issue and trigger the oil warning light.
To prevent this, it's best to only trust your vehicle to a full-service auto repair center.
Bad Oil Filter
Your oil filter is a quintessential part of oil changes. The oil filter removes metal and dust particles from the oil. Over time, the oil filter will get clogged and can release these dangerous particles back into your engine. If your oil filter is clogged or doesn't allow the free flow of oil, it will limit the efficiency of your vehicle. This will trigger the oil warning signal.
Defective Oil Pressure Gauge
Another common cause of the oil warning indicator is a defective oil pressure gauge. This sensor gauges the amount of oil pressure in the system. If your oil levels are confirmed accurate, you have no high-temperature warnings, hear no unusual noise, and your engine is running properly, it may be a bad oil pressure gauge.
Contact Girlington Garage
Undoubtedly, the best way to prevent your Check Oil indicator from triggering is to have regular preventative maintenance, especially oil changes. When we perform factory-recommended or preventative maintenance, our mechanic will carefully change your oil and oil filter based on the specifications of the manufacturer. At the same time, we will inspect your vehicle to ensure all other components are working properly.
At Girlington Garage, we are a leading full-service auto repair center in South Burlington VT. As a woman-owned and woman-operated garage in South Burlington VT, we take an infinite level of pride in our transparency and ability to create a welcoming environment. In fact, we encourage you to bring your whole family and dog. We offer a children’s area to entertain the little ones. You'll also enjoy Wi-Fi and organic coffee to keep you warm and awake.
Don’t wait for a dashboard indicator to have the preventative maintenance services your vehicle needs!
Contact us today by completing this online form, calling us at 802-247-7917, or stopping by our shop at 2 Harbor View Rd., South Burlington VT 05403.
