Oil warning light: Everything you need to know

The oil warning light can indicate a variety of issues but requires immediate investigation. If you ignore this dashboard warning light, you’ll run the risk of causing serious engine damage.

In this guide, we’ll cover the appearance and meaning of this warning light, its common causes, and how to check your oil level. We’ll also list the common causes for the oil warning light – and explain the action required if it appears when you’re driving.

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What does the oil warning light mean?

The oil warning light comes on when there is an issue with the oil pressure. In most cars, the symbol r esembles an old-fashioned oil can with a drip coming from the spout – and may feature the word ‘OIL’ beneath or beside it.

Some vehicles also have a dedicated oil change warning light. The symbol for this is often a similar oil can but with a waved line underneath it – and the dashboard computer may also display a message advising you that an oil change is required.

It’s important to note that the appearance of warning lights varies across different car models and generations. So, if you see a warning light that you’re unfamiliar with, don’t ignore it. Check your owner’s manual to find out what action is required.

Common causes for the oil warning light

Using the wrong oil

The sensors that monitor oil levels look for specific conditions in relation to viscosity, thermal stability, and friction reduction. Therefore, using an oil with the wrong specifications for your vehicle may trigger the warning light.
A damaged or clogged oil filter

This will prevent the engine from receiving the correct oil pressure. Oil filters also keep your motor oil clean of particles and contaminants. So, if yours is clogged, this can damage the engine.
Low oil level

If your oil levels are low, the oil warning light will illuminate. This indicates that the oil in your vehicle has dropped below the optimal level, or it has become contaminated to the point where it no longer offers any protection for the parts it is supposed to lubricate. When the oil level is too low, the engine won’t work properly.
Low oil pressure

The warning light can also be triggered by low oil pressure. If the oil level remains low, the engine won’t receive the constant oil supply it requires to continue working.
Problems with the oil pressure gauge or pump

The light may persist if there is an issue with the oil pressure gauge or pump – even if the oil levels are within the optimal range.
Electrical issues

The oil warning light may also be triggered due to faulty wiring or other electrical issues.

How to check your oil level

Park on level ground. This helps to ensure an accurate reading.
Turn off the engine and allow it to cool. Wait at least 10 minutes to avoid burning yourself on hot components.
Find the dipstick. This is usually located near the front of the engine.
Pull the dipstick out and wipe it clean with a rag.
Reinsert the dipstick and wait a few seconds.
Pull the dipstick out again to check the oil level. Dipsticks feature markings indicating the minimum and maximum oil levels – or a clearly marked cross-hatched area showing the optimal range. If the oil is at or below the minimum level, it needs to be topped up.

What should I do if the oil warning light appears while I’m driving?

If your oil light comes on while you are driving, pull over when it is safe to do so, and turn the engine off. Let the engine cool, check the oil level, and look for any signs of leakage. If everything seems normal, it should be safe to drive to the nearest garage for a more thorough diagnosis.

However, if your oil is low, visibly dirty, or the warning light is accompanied by strange engine noises or overheating, don’t continue to drive. Instead, call your mechanic or breakdown provider and ask to be towed to the nearest garage. If you continue to drive in this scenario, you risk severely damaging your engine.

Potential oil light issues and their solutions

Low oil levels and worn-out oil are the leading oil warning light triggers.

When your car doesn’t have enough oil, the components in your engine can stiffen, and will eventually be damaged beyond repair. To avoid this, check your oil levels on a regular basis - and keep up with your car’s servicing and maintenance schedule.

Oil warning lights can also be triggered by faulty gauges or pumps. Faulty wiring or more significant electrical issues can cause your car’s oil pressure gauge to provide inaccurate readings and malfunction, which, in turn, will activate the light. In this scenario, you should take your car to a mechanic for diagnostic testing and repairs.

It’s also important to ensure that your oil filter remains clear. If it becomes clogged and too dirty to function, the oil pressure will increase - and the flow of oil to the engine will decrease.

When the engine overheats, this may also trigger the oil warning light. If the warning light is accompanied by a clicking sound, this could mean the oil is failing to lubricate the moving parts due to overheating.

When oil overheats, its viscosity can change, so that it behaves more like water than oil – or it can burn off altogether. If this issue isn’t dealt with promptly, the engine may experience more wear and tear than usual – and in serious cases, could become irreparably damaged. Therefore, if you suspect your engine is overheating, you should get your car checked over by a mechanic immediately.

Importance of regular oil changes

Changing your oil regularly is important for both the maintenance of your engine and the overall performance of your vehicle. Your engine will not run properly without clean oil or an appropriate oil level.

Beyond this, changing your oil can improve your fuel efficiency. Clean oil will help the engine’s components work together effectively, whilst reducing strain.

Keeping your oil clean will also ensure that fewer hydrocarbons are released through emissions, which is better for the environment, as well as your car.

If you don’t change your oil regularly, you’ll use more than necessary, which will add to your motoring expenses.

Tips for avoiding the oil warning light

Keep up with your car’s servicing and maintenance schedule.
Change your oil in a timely manner.
Change your oil filter when necessary.
Use high-quality oil that is of the correct engine oil grade/viscosity for your car.
Refer to your owner’s manual to find out which oils are compatible with your vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

If the light flickers on and off when the vehicle is idling or has stopped, there could be a problem with the oil sensor. Alternatively, your oil pressure might be too low.

No, it isn’t safe to drive when your oil light is on. You will need to identify and resolve the issue to avoid damaging your engine.

Generally speaking, you should check your car’s oil level every 3,000 miles, or every 3 months (whichever comes first).

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