The check engine light for oil change on your car dashboard is one of the most recognizable and easily understood indicators on your car’s dashboard.
When the warning light shows, many drivers are afraid it’s a sign of a serious issue, and they wonder what the light means, whether they should panic, and what to do next.
Does the check engine light mean your car needs an oil change? Read on for a good, in depth look at the check engine light, the connection between the light and the need for an oil change, and what you should do when the check engine light for oil change turns on.
Topic Summary
What Does Check Engine Light for Oil Change Mean?
The check engine light (CEL) is part of the onboard diagnostics system of the car. This system is connected to multiple sensors and control modules that accept input from various engine components and perform a series of calculations to ensure that everything is operating smoothly.
When the check engine light (CEL) is illuminated, it signals that the onboard diagnostic has found a problem.
Check engine light for oil change problem can be as minor as a loose gas cap or something more dramatic, like a misfiring engine or even a simple flat tire.
Does Check Engine Light Indicate an Oil Change is Needed?
Usually, you don’t get a check engine light for an oil change. Today’s cars have separate lights or warnings that tell you specifically to change the oil, like the oil pressure warning light or a maintenance light.
A missed oil change might eventually lead to the kind of conditions that cause the check engine light to come on.
Indirect Connections Between Oil and the Check Engine Light
Low oil pressure could be because your engine’s oil level is too low, or because the oil isn’t circulating enough. It could also turn on other warning lights, cause engine damage, and then turn on the CEL.
Engine wear is another factor. Old, dirty oil can cause extra friction and wear to engine parts, and this wear can lead to misfires, poor performance and other problems that trigger the OBD to set that check engine light.
A possible factor that could trigger the check engine light in some models of vehicles is a failure in the oil sensor that monitors the oil condition and oil level.
How To Reset Check Engine Light for Oil Change
If you’re unlucky enough for your check engine light to come on, you at least want to follow these
- Check for other warning lights or messages. If any of the warning lights show up involving oil pressures or maintenance, take care of them first.
- Check that the check engine light is actually what it says. If your check light came on, it could indicate a wide variety of problems.
- Then plug an OBD-II computer into the scan tool port and download the diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) that are stored in your move’s on board diagnostics computer. They will tell you what’s triggering the CEL light.
Don’t know what the codes mean or how to proceed? Take it for a professional inspection. Mechanics are happy to help. They can figure out what’s wrong and what you need to do to get your car back to its priority one status.
Make sure you maintain your car according to the manufacturer’s schedule to avoid the check engine light turning on due to oil related problems. Proper oil change intervals and inspection can prevent the engine from overheating.
Effects of Low Oil on Engine Performance
Engine oil is the lifeblood of an engine. Without oil, an engine doesn’t have a hope of running properly, let alone for a long period and its adverse effects can prove more diverse and much more serious than you might at first imagine.
This is why it’s so important you take your engine and its requirements seriously and here’s how you can protect it when low oil is a factor.
1. Increased Friction and Wear
Engine oil is designed to maintain the friction on the moving parts of the engine but at a low and manageable level, avoiding any damage to mechanical components caused by excessive friction.
If the engine oil level is too low then there isn’t enough lubrication, which results in metal components grinding past each other with increased friction thus also increasing mechanical wear, which in more extreme situations could lead to damage of the engine but also reduced performance of the car itself.
2. Overheating
Importantly, oil is also used to dissipate the heat produced by the engine. When the level of oil is low, overheating can result because the engine can no longer be cooled. This can lead to warping of the cylinder head, damage to the pistons and valves.
3. Reduced Engine Efficiency
The lack of enough oil can cause the loss of engine efficiency. Without enough liquid to lubricate the engine, the combustion process grows more strained, which in turn lowers the cars overall efficiency, which in turn translates to less horsepower. Your car will feel lethargic and slow.
4. Engine Knocking
Whenever there’s not enough oil, the engine’s moving components start knocking or tapping against each other.
When that happens, you’ll hear the engine rattling inside the bonnet. If untreated for a long time, the knocking will cause serious damage.
5. Increased Emissions
Low oil levels in the engine can prevent it from running optimally. Eventually, this can lead to incomplete combustion and elevated emissions of pollutants, not good for the environment, and, very possibly, for you, with a vehicle that fails emissions tests.
6. Potential for Engine Seizure
At worst, you risk burning up the engine altogether if you run it at all low on oil. When moving parts rub against each other without lubrication, too much friction can generate enough heat to lock up the beast. An engine seizure is typically a total failure, and requires a new engine.
7. Warning Signs of Low Oil Levels
It is important to recognize the symptoms indicating the low level oil to avoid the damage to the engine.
There are many symptoms including the oil pressure light on the dashboard, and the strange noise of the engine such as knocking or ticking, and others such as overheat, poor engine performance.
To avoid those things, we must recognize the right time to check an oil level and have a schedule of oil change.
FAQs About Check Engine Light for Oil Change
Can the Check Engine Light Indicate That I Need an Oil Change?
Usually a check engine light isn’t related to oil changes. Nowadays cars come with other indicators that light up when it’s time for an oil change or when there’s no more oil available. This way, we don’t usually confuse the two. However, skipping regular oil maintenance warranties can become problematic, and your check engine light might end up lighting up in this case.
What Should I Do If My Check Engine Light Comes On?
Secondly, check for any other warning lights concerning either low oil pressure or maintenance issues. If no other warning lights can be found, you can employ the OBD-II scanner to suck up any stored diagnostic trouble codes. These codes will help lead you to the solution. If you’re unable to discern the code’s meaning, have a mechanic diagnose it to prevent the engine from dying while driving.
Can Low Oil Levels Cause the Check Engine Light To Come On?
Low oil could lead to low oil pressure, which, in itself, often wouldn’t trigger CEL, but other engine issues could ensue, which could result in malfunctions eventually triggering CEL.
How Often Should I Check My Car’s Oil Levels?
Please check your car’s oil levels at least once a month, also you can check it before the long trips with your family. It will help you, if your oil level is low, then your engine can work wrong. Regular checks may help you to prevent the situation when the check engine light will come up.
How To Prevent the Check Engine Light For Oil Change?
Changing the oil regularly helps keep the engine lubricated, which reduces friction and wear while preventing unwanted gunk from building up, thereby preventing engine problems in the first place that can trip the check engine light and keep you from enjoying the reliable durability that your car deserves.
Conclusion
Although an oil change will not directly trigger the check engine light, failing to regularly maintain the oil in your vehicle can lead to conditions that may cause the check engine light to turn on.
Staying on top of the reasons why the check engine light came on and sticking with your regular oil change schedule can help keep your vehicle healthy.
If the check engine light turns on in your vehicle, don’t wait to diagnose and fix the issue. Instead, promptly deal with whatever issue is causing that light to flash.