What should I do if the oil pressure light comes on?
Pull over safely and turn the engine off as soon as you can. The red oil can light means oil pressure is too low to protect the engine, and driving on can destroy it within minutes. Check the oil level once the engine has sat for a few minutes. If it's low, add oil; if the level is fine or the light stays on, have the car towed.
Why this light is serious
Oil pressure keeps a thin film of oil between metal parts spinning thousands of times a minute. Without it, bearings and cams wear through quickly, and the damage is often permanent. Of all the dashboard lights, this is one of the few where the right move is to stop now.
What to do
- Pull over safely and turn off the engine.
- Wait five minutes, then check the dipstick on level ground.
- If it's low, add the correct oil until it's between the marks. If the light stays off once you restart, drive gently to a shop to find out why it was low.
- If the level is fine, or the light stays on, or you hear knocking or ticking, don't drive it. Have it towed.
Common causes
- Low oil level from a leak or an engine that burns oil
- Overdue oil change, with oil broken down or sludged
- A failing oil pressure sensor or switch (a false warning, but it needs confirming)
- A clogged oil pickup or failing oil pump (less common)
- Worn engine bearings on high-mileage engines
Many modern engines use a little oil between changes. Checking the dipstick every few fill-ups is the simplest habit that protects an engine.
More questions
Is the oil pressure light the same as the oil change reminder?
No. A red oil can is a warning of low oil pressure. An oil change reminder is usually a wrench symbol, a "Maint Req" message or a percentage on the dash, and isn't urgent in the same way.
The light flickers at idle and goes away when I accelerate. Is that OK?
No. It usually means the oil is very low or the engine is worn enough that pressure drops at idle. Check the level and get it looked at soon.
Can I drive to the shop if I add oil and the light goes off?
If the level was low, you topped it up, and the light stays off with no new noises, a short careful drive is usually fine. Then find out why it was low.