Engine Oil Light Flashing: Meaning & What to Do

When the red oil bottle-shaped light comes on, it is normal for the alarm to go off immediately. You immediately ask yourself: “Can I continue or have I already done serious damage to the engine?”. Before you panic, however, stop and take a good look at “what that light does”. There is a big difference between a steady light and an intermittent one. Let’s see how to understand if it is indeed safe to reach the workshop on your wheels or if it is necessary to stop immediately to avoid making the situation worse.

is it safe to continue to the workshop?

Before analyzing the causes,let’s answer the most pressing question: “can I drive?”. The oil warning light isn’t there by chance, but it reports a problem to the lubrication system of the engine. Whether it is a trifle, such as a false contact, or a more serious fault, it should not be underestimated.You can reach your mechanic at moderate speed, but only if you strictly respect these conditions:

• The oil level is correct: you checked the dipstick and it is between the minimum and maximum;
• The light is now turned off: it only came on for a moment and now it has disappeared and does not appear while driving;
• No reports: warnings like “insufficient oil pressure“;
• No abnormal noise: the engine “runs” as always, without ticking or metallic knocking;
• No smoke or smells: you don’t see anything smoke from the exhaust and you don’t smell a burnt odor.

If even one of these conditions is not met, it is indeed better to stop immediately and call for roadside assistance.Continuing to drive could cause irreparable damage to the engine, with vrey high repair costs.

What does the oil warning light mean?

Now let’s analyze the possible causes of the oil warning light.As anticipated, the meaning changes depending on how it lights up:

• Steady light: indicates a real problem with the oil pressure. The causes can be different: a faulty oil pump,a clogged oil filter,a leak in the lubrication circuit,or an incorrect oil level.
• Intermittent light: can indicate a temporary problem, such as a cold start (in which case the light should turn off after a few seconds) or a momentary drop in oil pressure due to a sharp acceleration or braking. Though, it could also be a sign of a more serious problem, so it is indeed always better to check.

In addition to these two main scenarios, there are other possibilities:

• Light on after starting the engine and turns off after a few seconds: this is normal, especially with cold engines. The oil pump needs a few moments to build up pressure and distribute the lubricant to all the engine components.
• Light on while driving: this is a sign of a problem that needs to be investigated as soon as possible.

What to do if the oil warning light comes on?

Here’s a summary of what to do if the oil warning light comes on:

1. Check the oil level: this is the first thing to do. If the level is low, add oil immediately.
2. Check for leaks: look for any oil stains under the car.
3. Listen for abnormal noises: pay attention to any ticking or knocking sounds coming from the engine.
4. Stop the car if necessary: if the light remains on or if you notice any other problems, stop the car immediately and call for roadside assistance.

Remember that preventing is better then curing. Regularly check the oil level and have your car serviced according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. This will help you avoid costly repairs and keep your engine running smoothly for years to come.