Low Oil Pressure Signals These Problems That Must Be Checked Immediately

Introduction: Oil Pressure Warning Light - "Emergency Stop" Warning

Of all the warning lights on your dashboard, the oil pressure light (usually a red oil can) is one of the most serious. It's not just a "low oil" warning, it's an urgent signal thatlubrication pressurein the engine is at a dangerous level, not enough to protect the moving metal parts.

Ignoring this warning and continuing to drive, even for a few kilometers, can lead to serious damage, even complete destruction of the engine. With extensive experience, Gartz will analyze the potential causes behind this warning and guide you on how to handle it properly.

What Is Oil Pressure and Why Is It Important?

Imagine the engine oil as the "blood" of the engine, and the oil pump as the "heart". Oil pressure is the driving force that helps the "blood" circulate to every corner, creating a lubricating film between metal surfaces.

When this pressure is too low, the lubricating film is broken, resulting in direct metal-to-metal friction, causing wear, overheating, and damage.

6 Causes of Low Oil Pressure That Need to Be Checked Immediately

When the oil light comes on, it could be a sign of one of the following problems, ranked from common to serious.

1. Oil Level Too Low

Reason:This is the simplest and most common cause. The engine loses oil due to leaks or natural consumption over time. When the oil level drops below the allowable threshold, the oil pump will suck in air and cannot create stable pressure.

How to check:Stop the vehicle on a level surface, turn off the engine, wait a few minutes for the oil to return to the crankcase and use the dipstick to check the oil level.

2. Wrong Viscosity Oil (Too Thin)

Reason:Use oil with a viscosity lower than the manufacturer's recommendation (e.g., if your car calls for 10W40 but you use 5W30). Oil that is too thin will easily "leak" through the gaps in the engine parts, causing the system to not be able to maintain pressure. Oil can also be thinned by gasoline getting into the crankcase.

Consequence:Poor lubrication, especially when the engine is hot.

3. Oil is Too Old and Dirty

Reason:After a long period of use, the oil will deteriorate, lose its viscosity and become filled with dirt and soot. These dirt can clog the oil pump filter or oil line, hindering the flow and reducing the pressure.

4. Clogged Oil Filter

Reason:The oil filter is responsible for holding back impurities. If not replaced periodically, the filter will become completely clogged. Although the filter has a bypass valve to allow oil to pass through when clogged, the oil is dirty and system pressure can still be affected.

5. Worn or Broken Oil Pump

Reason:Oil pumps are mechanical parts and are subject to wear over time. When the gears or vanes inside the pump wear out, the ability to generate pressure is significantly reduced. This is a serious failure.

6. Worn Engine Parts (Most Severe)

Reason:This is the worst case scenario. Worn parts like crankshaft bearings and camshaft bearings will create larger than normal clearances. The oil will escape through these clearances too quickly, causing the oil pump to not be able to keep up with the pressure.

Consequence:The engine was knocking and was about to be completely destroyed.

What To Do Immediately When The Oil Pressure Warning Light Comes On?

STOP THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY:Pull over to the side of the road in the safest location possible.

TURN OFF NOW:Do not let the engine continue to run.

CHECK OIL LEVEL:Wait about 5-10 minutes and check the oil level. If it is low, you can add the correct grade of oil and restart to see if the light goes off.

CALL FOR RESCUE:If the oil level is still sufficient or the light remains on after topping up,DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DRIVE FURTHERCall a tow truck to take your car to a reputable garage for inspection. The tow truck cost will be much cheaper than the cost of repairing or replacing the engine.

Comprehensive Preventive Solutions from Gartz Lubricants

“Prevention is better than cure”. Most causes of low oil pressure (except major mechanical failures) can be prevented with regular maintenance and the use of high-quality oil.

Gartz engine oilis a comprehensive protection solution that helps prevent the above problems:

Viscosity Range:Gartz offers a full range of viscosity grades (5W30, 10W40, 15W40, 20W50), make sure you always choose the "right" oil as recommended by the manufacturer.

Anti-Deterioration Technology:With high-quality additives from Germany, Gartz oil has outstanding thermal stability and oxidation resistance, maintaining stable viscosity throughout the usage cycle, without thinning or creating sludge.

Superior Cleaning Ability:The detergent and dispersant additives in Gartz oils help keep the engine clean, preventing clogging of oil filters and oil passages.

Wear Protection:Gartz's durable oil film protects the oil pump and bearings from premature wear, extending engine life.

Conclude:The low oil pressure warning light is a serious warning that requires immediate action. By understanding the causes and following a regular maintenance routine with quality products like Gartz lubricants, you can proactively protect your engine, avoid costly repairs and have peace of mind on every journey.