When an oil light appears on your dashboard, it’s never something to ignore. That small icon, shaped like an old-fashioned oil can, can represent several different issues, each with varying levels of urgency. Understanding what these warnings mean helps you respond appropriately and avoid serious damage to your engine.
Here we will address:
- What is the difference between a red and yellow oil light?
- What does it mean if my oil light is flashing?
- When is it just low or just maintenance and when is it critical?
- Can I drive when my oil light is on? Will I blow my engine?
Even if your vehicle seems to be running fine, a glowing or flashing oil light should always be treated seriously. It’s often one of the first indicators that your engine is at risk.
Yellow Oil Light
A yellow oil light typically indicates low oil level. Many modern cars are now equipped with electronic oil level sensors. These provide an early warning to an oil level compared to older vehicles which would not have a warning until the oil pressure got low. If the yellow oil light comes on, check the oil level as soon as it is safe to do so and top off as needed. Then, schedule an oil leak inspection with a trusted repair shop. It is not normal for vehicles to consume enough oil for the light to come on between oil changes so the oil level warning coming on is a sign that the engine may be leaking or consuming oil.
Many vehicles that have oil level sensors don't have dipsticks at all. These vehicles will often have a message on the dash telling how much oil to add when the level is low. They may also have a menu to check oil level through the computer.
Red Oil Light
A steady red oil light is usually a sign that your engine’s oil pressure has dropped below the safe range. This can occur for several reasons, including low oil levels, a malfunctioning oil pump, an internal oil leak or even excessive bearing wear. When oil pressure drops, the engine’s moving parts don’t get the lubrication they need, leading to excessive wear and potentially catastrophic damage if not addressed on time.
If you see a solid red oil light while driving, it’s best to pull over and shut off the engine as soon as it’s safe to do so. Before continuing to drive, make sure there are no serious oil leaks underneath the car. Also, check the oil level and top it off if needed. If you find a severe oil leak or oil light is still on after correcting the oil level, don't drive the vehicle. Have it towed to a trusted shop to diagnose the issue. Driving the vehicle with low oil pressure can turn a minor repair into a major issue.
Blinking Red Oil Light
A blinking red oil light is even more critical than a steady solid red oil light. Blinking red oil light is telling you there is a potentially severe issue like a critically failing oil pump or clogged oil pickup, and demands an immediate stop and inspection. Driving with a flashing red light can quickly lead to catastrophic engine failure.
The Oil Light is On at Startup, Then Disappears
If your oil light comes on briefly when you start the engine, that’s usually normal. Most vehicles perform a quick system check when the key is turned, and the oil light may appear during this time. Also, the engine will take a second to build oil pressure on startup. If the light goes out within a few seconds of starting, this is most likely normal.
However, if the light stays on for longer than a few seconds or comes and goes when driving, this could be a sign of low oil or a deeper issue. If the oil level is low, the oil pickup tube may not reach the oil when it sloshes from side to side or front to back when turning, accelerating or braking. If this happens, check the oil level and top off as needed. Then, have the vehicle checked by a trusted shop for leaks or oil burning because oil is not meant to be consumed by the engine. If the light does not go off with the proper oil level, this could be a sign of a deeper issue.
Common Causes of Oil Light Warnings
While the specific cause varies by vehicle, some of the most common reasons for oil light warnings include:
- Low oil level due to leaks or oil consumption
- Faulty oil pressure sensor or sending unit
- Worn oil pump or clogged oil passages
- Old, thick, or contaminated oil that’s lost its lubricating properties
- Connecting rod of crankshaft bearing wear
Some issues may trigger the oil light even if your engine is still full of oil, which is why relying on the dipstick alone isn’t always enough.
How to Check the Oil With a Dipstick
It seems like every oil light issue starts with check the dipstick but how do you do that? It is important to follow the correct procedure when checking the oil for an accurate reading.
- Park the vehicle on a flat surface and TURN OFF THE ENGINE. - It is important to turn off the engine as the dipstick is calibrated for the oil level with the engine off.
- Open the hood and locate the engine oil dipstick. - The owners manual can help with this. be careful because the engine is hot.
- Carefully remove the dipstick from the tube. - Make sure to pull strait out of the tube, not at an angle. Also, be careful that the end doesn't swing around and make a mess. It is helpful to hold the dipstick with a rag as it comes out.
- Clean the oil off the dipstick. - This is important to getting an accurate reading as oil can slosh up higher on the dipstick than the actual level.
- Put the dipstick back in the tube. - Make sure the dipstick is pushed all the way in for an accurate reading.
- Remove the dipstick again and read the level. - The oil should reach up somewhere between the minimum and maximum lines. Anywhere in this range is safe. Both above and below can cause issues for the engine so be sure not to overfill.
- Return the dipstick to the tube and make sure it is fully inserted.
No dipstick? Your vehicle's onboard computer will tell you the oil level.
Get Dashboard Light Diagnostics at Airpark Auto Pros in Gaithersburg, MD
Your oil light is more than just a reminder to check your fluids. It’s a critical warning system designed to protect your engine. If you’re unsure why the light is on, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Our technicians can inspect your oil system, replace sensors if needed, and make sure your engine is running safely.
Call Airpark Auto Pros in Gaithersburg, MD, to schedule an oil light diagnostic and protect your engine from hidden damage.