Why Did My Vehicle’s Oil Light Come On?
If your vehicle’s oil light comes on, it can be a cause for concern. Oftentimes it means your oil pump isn’t circulating oil the way it should be. When your car’s oil pump isn’t working properly, your engine’s bearings and friction surfaces aren’t receiving the lubrication they need. This can potentially cause big problems.
What To Do If Your Oil Light Comes On
If you’re driving on the highway at speed, pull over immediately if your oil light comes on. Checking your oil level is the first thing you should do. If it’s low, top it off as soon as possible. If the level is fine, your issue is probably with the oil pump causing your engine not to get the oil pressure it needs to function the way it should.
Next, Check the Oil Filter
Your vehicle’s oil filter is a prime place for oil to leak. If the filter is on too loosely, or twisted too tightly and stripped, it can lead to an oil leak, which is bad for your engine.
Inspecting the Oil Pan
Unless you’ve bottomed out with your vehicle and damaged the oil pan, it shouldn’t be an issue. However, it’s still a smart idea to check the pan, bolt and anything else that could allow for oil to leak from the pan.
Diagnosing Problems with the Oil Pressure Sender Unit & Regulators
This step will have to be performed by an auto repair professional. Call the experts at AAMCO Lee’s Summit for the right technology, tools and knowledge to accurately check all the oil pressure regulation systems in newer vehicles.
Older vehicles’ oil lights generally referred to an empty pan. Today’s new cars, trucks and SUVs have more sophisticated technology that can give you false positives when there’s actually enough oil, but it can still sometimes cause the oil light to come on. AAMCO Lee’s Summit can identify these issues and let you know your vehicle is safe to drive. If your oil light has come on or you are experiencing any vehicle issues, call us today for an easy appointment.
