What would you do if your engine oil warning light came on while you were driving? Would you safely pull over to the side of the road or would you keep on driving? Some lights, like the “red-colored” engine oil light, are critical warning lights that indicate a potentially serious problem with a vehicle’s engine. Read on to find the answers to all the questions you may have about your engine oil warning light.

Q. What causes the engine oil warning light to come on? 

A. Your vehicle’s engine requires sufficient oil pressure to work properly and lubricate all the internal parts. If you are driving and the oil pressure drops too low, it will notify the on-board diagnostic system to turn on the oil pressure warning light.

Q. What could cause the drop in engine oil pressure?

A. The most common reason for low oil pressure is not enough oil in the engine. The next frequent cause for low engine oil pressure is a faulty or leaking oil pressure sending unit.

Q. How should I respond if the oil pressure warning light comes on?

A. This is a very important question. Since the engine oil warning light is colored “red,” it’s an indication that something serious is wrong with the engine. If you continue to drive with this light on, you’ll end up doing major damage to the engine and could even cause the engine to “seize.”  A seized engine means you’ll either have to replace it with a new engine (costly) or buy a new vehicle (even more costly than a new engine). The best course of action is to safely pull off to the side of the road, turn off your car, and call for a tow. 

Q. How can I make sure my car’s engine maintains proper oil pressure?

A. To keep your vehicle running properly, change the engine oil and filter on a regular basis.  Doing so will greatly enhance engine life. It’s also good to get in the habit of checking the condition and level of your oil once a month. If you begin to find you must consistently add oil, schedule an appointment with the auto technicians at Geller’s Automotive. There may be a leak that should be repaired.

The best way to avoid having the engine oil warning light come on is to bring your vehicle to our auto repair shop in Byram, New Jersey. We have the expertise and equipment to keep your vehicle running its best. Click here to make an appointment for car repair and maintenance with Geller’s Automotive.