What Does It Mean When My Oil Light Is On?

Mar 4, 2020 | Blog, Engine, Maintenance, Total Car Care

Your car’s motor mount, also known as an engine mount, serves as a simple yet important component of any road-going vehicle. Your car motor mount is the connecting point between the chassis and engine. Its components comprise of a combination of rubber and metal.

Engine mounts are responsible for securing the vehicle to the chassis. They are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, all functioning to dampen the vibrations created by the engine. The metal part of the mounting works to withstand the torque and force generated by the engine, while the rubber works to dampen and absorb the vibrations. Your engine generates a considerable amount of vibration during its regular operation. Therefore, when there is a problem with the engine mounts, it will be quite noticeable driving down the road.

In case you have motor mount issues, it is very important to have it checked by a professional mechanic such as one from AAMCO Colorado and have it repaired as soon as possible. It’s not safe to drive a car with a faulty motor mount. A faulty motor mount will have a great impact on the ride quality as well as the performance of your car.

Fortunately for you, we have compiled a few signs that will help you detect diagnose failing or broken engine mounts.

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1. Why Does Your Oil Light Come On?

2. Other Causes of Low Oil Pressure

3. What to Do When Your Oil Lamp Turns On

4. What Can AAMCO Colorado Do For You?

5. More From Our Blog

Why Does Your Oil Light Come On?

Your vehicle’s oil light will usually come on when there is a significant drop in oil pressure. When your engine lacks oil pressure, it is unable to lubricate itself, and this normally leads to self-destruction, that costs an arm and a leg in internal engine part repairs.

Is it possible to drive home or work when the oil light is on? Well, loss of oil pressure is an immediate concern, and it almost always means that you will require an engine rebuild if the problem goes unresolved.

Related: Why Is My Car Using So Much Oil?
Related: 5 Ways Oil Changes Promote Longevity
Related: How to Decipher Dashboard Lights
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What Is the Importance of Oil Pressure?

When there is enough oil in your engine, the oil pump works by constantly pumping oil into the tubes that carry oil to the parts of your engine that require lubrication. As your oil pump pushes the oil through the system, it builds up a certain amount of pressure. The built-up pressure makes it possible for all the oil sprayers to work internally. In case there isn’t enough oil to keep up with the demand from your oil pump, there will be periods when there won’t be any pressure in the system. While this might sound minor, a single minute without oil pressure is enough to damage your engine from inside out.

Other Causes of Low Oil Pressure

There are other reasons why your vehicle’s oil pressure could go low, and a common cause is a failing oil pump or when there is a blockage in the system. It’s very rare for your engine to become gummed up to the extent of low oil pressure due to blockage, but it happens. The good news is that replacing your oil pump isn’t as hard or as expensive as an engine rebuild. And if your oil lamp illuminates due to a faulty oil pump, count yourself lucky.

What to Do When Your Oil Lamp Turns On

Many modern vehicles come with two oil lamps. The first lamp is an indicator that it is time to change your oil. This lamp turns on after a certain length of time since an oil change service. The second oil lamp light has been around in vehicles for a long time and requires serious attention. It will have an image of a lamp or the word “OIL” This oil light indicates that your car has low oil pressure. Running low on oil pressure is terminal for your engine. It can cause extensive damage to your engine’s internal components.

The following are actions to take when the oil light comes on:

  • Check your oil level. You need to be concerned the moment this light comes on and stop your vehicle as soon as possible. Find a parking lot or a close designated area where you can drive your car. If you were driving on the highway, pull off at the shoulder and turn on your hazard lights.
  • Shut off your engine so that you can check your oil safely. After your vehicle is off, open your hood and locate the engine oil dipstick. Normally, it will be a bright yellow handle that pokes straight out of your engine with a lamp image or word “OIL.” Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean using a cloth.
  • Insert the dipstick all the way in and remove it again to see if it’s dry or does not have much oil on it. If it’s dry, don’t drive any further and call a tow truck immediately to move your vehicle. Contact a professional mechanic such as one from AAMCO Colorado and have them check your oil system for any issues.

    • What Can AAMCO Colorado Do For You?

    It’s important to note that running your engine with low oil or low-level oil pressure in the system has the capability of considerably ruining your vehicle’s engine. The moment you spot the oil light indicator on your dashboard while driving, turn off your engine and contact a professional mechanic immediately. AAMCO Colorado is a leading car repair center when it comes to oil system maintenance and service. We also offer other car maintenance services such as; suspension system maintenance, scheduled car maintenance service, engine maintenance and repair, electrical system maintenance and service, brake maintenance and service, and many more.

    Did your oil light indicator come on while driving? Contact us immediately and request for a free tow. Our specialists will work round the clock to have your vehicle back on the road.

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