How Long Can I Drive With My Oil Light On?

Oil Change Myths

There are a lot of myths when it comes to oil changes. Most of us have heard someone repeat some of the most common misconceptions… “You have to change your oil every 3,000 miles,” or “once you use synthetic oil, you can never go back.” Some people still hold onto the idea that the oil in their cars must be changed every 90 days. Despite the many different beliefs, one thing is absolutely true – your car will not function without motor oil. But if that pesky oil light appears on your dashboard, is it really that serious?

What Kind of Lights Do You See?

Image of a Timing Belt
If you’re driving along and notice a warning light appears on your dashboard, you must first identify what this light is telling you. Modern vehicles actually have 2 different lights related to the oil system. The first is an indicator that it is time to change your oil. This light tends to be orange in color and is a reminder that you should get your vehicle to the shop soon. The second light is the more serious of the two. This light is typically red and is alerting you to a potentially critical issue. You could have low oil, low pressure, a faulty sensor, or a faulty pump.

Check your vehicle’s owner manual for a better understanding of what oil lights to watch out for with your vehicle. No matter which light you see, you should schedule an appointment for routine maintenance.

The Run Down On Motor Oil

There are several different types of oil and each one lasts for a different amount of time. The options include fully synthetic, conventional, and semi-synthetic. Each has its place and importance. Your vehicle’s owner manual should be able to tell you which oil is recommended by the manufacturer, and this is the type of oil you should be using. If you know the oil lasts longer in your vehicle (let’s say 10k miles), you may want to have your oil filter replaced at the halfway point to ensure that everything stays in top shape.

It is important to note that your oil light does not know the difference between which oil is used, it only knows how long it has been since the last oil change was performed. Every vehicle is different which is why it is important to understand what type of oil your car needs to use, how often it needs to be changed, and what the dashboard icons mean in relation to the oil system.

Related: Synthetic Motor Oil vs Conventional Motor Oil

Can I Still Drive My Car If The Light Is On?

If you are seeing an oil warning light on your dashboard, the first thing you should do is check the dipstick to see how much oil is in the reservoir. If the oil level seems to be a bit on the low side, add some more oil. When you restart your vehicle, does the light go away? If yes, then you have solved the problem! If the light is still on, you may have a larger issue on your hands which should be addressed sooner than later. You should not drive your vehicle if the light stays on.

Motor oil is a vital component for your keeping your vehicle operational. The oil acts as a lubricant keeping your engine running smoothly. Without sufficient oil levels, the engine could seize and stop working all together. Should this happen, you will be facing an entirely new set of problems.

Listen When Your Car Talks to You

When your vehicle is talking to you, it is important to listen. Whether it is needing an oil change, new brakes, or just a routine check-up, it is in your best interest to address these issues before they have a chance to develop into something more serious. You are not alone when trying to identify and correct a problem with your car.

At AAMCO Colorado, we are committed to bringing you great customer service and helping you make sure your car is ready for every adventure. Find your local AAMCO CO location and schedule your appointment online today.

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