Low oil pressure is serious, potentially damaging to your engine, often the most expensive part of your car.
Oil pressure keeps the moving parts of your engine lubricated, preventing friction and excessive wear. If your oil pressure drops, your engine is unsafely exposed, possibly at risk of overheating and damaging components or, at worst, entire engine failure.
It’s important to understand the primary reasons for low oil pressure that might drop in order to avoid or mitigate an expensive engine repair.
Topic Summary
Why Oil Pressure is Important
Oil pressure is very important for your vehicle’s engine health because it helps to maintain enough engine oil pressure to provide proper lubrication between parts to reduce friction and, in turn, reduce engine wear and engine damage.
It maintains the flow of oil through the engine to provide cooling and cleaning and to keep it protected.
Sufficient engine oil pressure is needed for the proper flow of the engine oil to keep the engine parts in good condition.
Suppose an engine does not produce the required pressure. In that case, parts may overheat, and seizing can occur, which can result in irreparable damage to the engine and involve significant repair costs, including potentially replacing the entire engine.
Routinely, the oil pressure is monitored, and the levels should be maintained or adjusted, keeping the engine cool and producing clean energy, keeping the engine in good condition, avoiding unnecessary repair costs, and allowing it to be used for a longer period.
Enough oil pressure maintains the lubrication of an engine, keeps it cool, and reduces the wear and tear on the engine, avoiding expensive repairs and keeping an engine running longer.
It is important to regularly maintain oil levels to build up pressure and avoid severe engine damage.
Reasons for Low Oil Pressure in Your Vehicle
Your vehicle’s performance can not be good if you have a low oil pressure internal combustion engine.
Low oil pressure puts you in great danger, and the engine can suffer a failure without proper treatment. When the engine has oil with proper pressure, moving parts will be slid to make sure that things run smoothly.
The lack of oil pressure in your vehicle actually indicates inadequate protection, giving you a warning that something may go wrong. As a result, you need to treat them with your priority.
Then, let’s see some of the reasons why you have low oil pressure in your automobiles.
1. Low Oil Level
One of the most straightforward causes of low pressure is a low level of oil. If your engine is low on oil, causing the level to drop below what the oil pump can pull through, the result will be low pressure.
Leaks, poorly designed maintenance, and burning oil can all be causing agents for low levels of oil. If you keep an eye on your dash and regularly top up with oil, this should easily be avoided.
2. Worn Out Oil Pump
This oil pump gently pushes it all around the engine. If the oil pump isn’t doing its job, the engine may be starved of oil. Depending on the failure, the pressure may not be sufficient.
This can be a slow failure as parts within the pump degrade over time or it can be sudden, as contamination in the oil leads to damage to the pump.
Either way, a failing oil pump is dangerous and will usually require replacement before it causes engine damage.
3. Clogged Oil Filter
The oil filter cleans the oil passing through the engine. When the filter becomes clogged with debris, the oil flow through the engine is restricted.
And a low oil pressure warning is triggered depending on the severity, the filter can potentially cause the pump to fail, causing the oil system to bypass the filter so that dirty oil is pumped through the engine.
4. Worn Engine Bearings
Engine bearings play a very important role, helping to support the rotating parts of the engine. From the engine bearing point of view, you really get what you pay for.
In any engine, high mileage and tremendous frictional forces eventually wear engine bearings to a point where too much clearance has resulted between them and the crankshaft.
Due to the internal engine design miracle known as the two cycle scavenging effect, this ‘too much clearance’ problem results in relatively low oil pressure.
When your engine bearings get too worn, you’ll often notice the low oil pressure accompanied by a knocking noise in the engine, and then you’ll end up needing an expensive and time consuming engine job to get the oil pressure working like it’s supposed to.
5. Oil Viscosity Issues
Another cause could be that the wrong oil, with the wrong viscosity, has been used, or even the wrong type of oil that has broken down.
Oil viscosity is the oil’s thickness, and it is a measure of how easily the oil flows. Oil tends to thin over time. It’s a question of molecular structure.
So, as oil ages or if the wrong oil is used, it may not flow correctly, especially in hot conditions.
Use manufacturer recommended oil and change it at manufacturer recommended intervals to avoid viscosity problems.
6. Oil Leaks
Leaks in the oil system will cause a drop in oil pressure. The oil pan gasket, valve cover gasket, and oil filter housing are the most common areas in which to leak, so be sure to keep an eye out and replace these parts when you notice a leak.
Small leaks can result in excessive pressure loss over time, so if you notice any leaks, be sure to address them. Checking underneath your vehicle for oil spots is a good way to catch them in time.
7. Faulty Oil Pressure Gauge or Sensor
In other cases, low oil pressure might be due to faulty wiring in the oil pressure gauge or sensor rather than an actual problem with the oil system.
If the sensor or gauge is faulty, then it will give you the wrong reading, causing you undue alarm. The sensors are checked out by a professional if a replacement is needed.
8. Engine Wear and Tear
High mileage puts more wear on your engine’s internal components over time. As this internal wear progresses, it can result in greater clearances in the engine, as well as lower oil pressure.
Since the internal machinery is getting older as the miles add up, you may find the engine at risk of losing additional power as wear and tear take their toll. Of course, regular maintenance can help your engine last a long time.
9. Thermal Breakdown of Oil
Extreme engine temperatures cause oil to thermal break down, causing it to lose its ability to flow as a lubricant and maintain acid and alkaline levels.
A thermal breakdown occurs when the oil gets too hot and breaks down into sludge and varnish, thereby causing passages to clog and limiting oil flow.
Be sure your engine cooling system is performing properly to prevent the possibility of thermal breakdown.
10. Oil Passage Blockages
Low oil pressure could also be caused by sludge that builds up in the oil passages or debris that collects in the engine and blocks the passages. The sludge or the debris restricts the flow of oil into the various parts of the engine.
If the engine oil is not changed regularly, or if the oil is of low quality, the oil flow slows down. Internal engine cleaning and the use of good quality oil can prevent this issue.
Signs of Low Engine Oil Pressure
It is important to know the specific symptoms of low engine oil pressure so that such damage can be avoided. Symptoms to monitor include:
Oil Pressure Warning Light: This is the most obvious one, but now you will know why. If the oil pressure warning light on your dash light comes on, it means the oil pressure is falling below safe limits.
Engine Noises: Engine If the oil pressure is too low, there won’t be enough oil for the various parts of the engine to move freely, and you’ll hear knocking, ticking, or clattering sounds.
These are sounds that should never emanate from under the hood, so definitely look into why they’re happening while there’s still oil in the engine.
Decreased Engine Performance: You can experience less power from the engine, meaning the vehicle doesn’t perform as well.
The engine will feel sluggish because more friction and resistance occur in the cylinder when the engine doesn’t have the oil lubrication that it needs.
Overheating: The oil lubricates the engine, cooling it down because the oil picks up some of the heat. If your engine runs a bit hotter than before, the first thing you should check is the oil pressure.
Burning Oil Smell: This could mean that oil is not circulating properly within the engine and is getting burned.
If you feel any of these symptoms, you should stop and have your car or truck checked by a professional immediately.
How To Fix Low Engine Oil Pressure
Low engine oil pressure usually results from an underlying condition and should be cleared up before engine damage can occur. You can try this troubleshooting to get it back into shape.
Check Oil Level
Before heading out, check the oil level by removing the dipstick and adding the recommended grade by your vehicle manufacturer if it seems low. Low oil pressure and low oil levels go hand in hand.
Replace the Oil and Filter
If the oil is dirty or old, it can become thinner, lowering the oil pressure. Replace the oil and the oil filter on a regular schedule so the engine is properly lubricated.
Check for Leaks
Look for oil leaks beneath your vehicle or around your engine. Leak areas can include the oil pan gasket, valve cover gasket, and oil filter. Timely repairs will help restore normal oil pressure.
Examine the Oil Pump
Because oil is no longer flowing fully, if pressure is insufficient, then this suggests a faulty or worn-out oil pump, which will need to be replaced by a mechanic.
Check Engine Bearings
Old fashioned engine bearings are prone to wearing out, which ultimately can reduce oil pressure. If the bearings are the issue, you’ll likely have to replace the engine.
Monitor the Oil Pressure Sensor
This sensor can fail or get dirty and read a false oil reading. If the vehicle has a sensor, it’s easy to check the oil pressure reading on the
If those steps don’t solve the problem, get a mechanic to diagnose and repair it, or else some other engine damage could occur.
Preventing Low Oil Pressure
Having low oil pressure is a danger to the well being of your engine and can cost you a lot of money to repair. Here are the steps you need to follow in order to keep the oil pressure at the right level:
Oil Changes
Follow your auto manufacturer’s recommendations for oil changes, but better safe than sorry. Stick to 1,500 to 3,000 miles in between oil changes.
Synthetic oils provide the best protection for engine parts, staying at the proper viscosity and maintaining lubrication and pressure.
Use the Right Oil
Make sure that the right type of oil of the correct viscosity is always used. The wrong oil can affect pressure and lubrication.
Check Oil Levels Regularly
Using the dipstick on the engine regularly, check your oil level. Keeping your oil at the correct level prevents drops in pressure caused by low oil levels.
Check For Leaks
Check your vehicle regularly for oil leaks around the oil pan, your valve cover, and your filter. Keeping your oil levels high is a good way to keep your oil pressure at a steady level.
Maintain the Oil System
Inspect the oil filter on a regular basis, change it when necessary. Check that the oil pump is working.
Regular maintenance of the oil system helps prevent oil from clogging in the pump or oil passages and ensures that oil continues to flow at the appropriate speed and pressure.
By following these precautions, you will ward off the problems of oil pressure failure and help your vehicle enjoy many years of trouble free service.
FAQs on Reasons for Low Oil Pressure
What Causes Low Oil Pressure in a Vehicle?
Potential causes are numerous, including low oil level, a worn oil pump, a clogged filter, and worn engine bearings. Perhaps you’re using the wrong oil, or there’s a leak of some kind.
How Can I Tell If My Vehicle Has Low Oil Pressure?
Low oil pressure typically shows symptoms like the dashboard oil pressure warning light, knocking or ticking sounds from the engine, and reduced engine power. If you notice such symptoms, it’s best to check the oil level and then take it straight to a mechanic.
Is It Safe To Drive with Low Oil Pressure?
I just can’t drive with low Oil pressure. That’s just a ticket for damage very badly to the Motor, and I strongly recommend you do not drive your car like that. Just go to a mechanic’s shop and let them check the oil pressure.
Can Low Oil Pressure Damage My Engine?
Yes, low oil pressure can cause reduced lubrication of the engine parts, which will overheat, wear out, or even seize, and it can cost a lot to repair the engine or even to replace it.
How Can I Prevent Low Oil Pressure?
Maintaining a regular service, using the correct viscosity of oil, regularly checking oil levels, and keeping your oil system in good condition can all help. If you notice an unusual drip or any unusual sounds emanating from your engine, see your mechanic immediately and address them.
Conclusion
Low oil pressure is one of the most important issues to avoid. Regularly scheduled maintenance, such as changing your oil and oil filter as the manufacturer recommended, checking for leaks and contamination, and utilizing a proper oil viscosity, will prevent many of the worst cases of low oil pressure.
Suppose your oil pressure depletes and goes down. In that case, we strongly recommend seeking the professional opinion of an auto repair shop to figure out what caused the decreased oil function and have it fixed before the situation evolves into a worse engine problem.