What Exactly does the oil light on cars tell us?

Answer 1

That your oil pressure is low, regardless of the oil level. This could be a bad oil pump, worn engine bearings or a plugged pickup tube to name a few. Low oil level may or may not turn on the oil light. Mine was full when the light came on.

Answer 2

if it's a cheap car it's just telling you that you have no oil pressure and that means that your engine will seize shortly so turn the car off immediately. more expensive cars have oil lights that tell you haw many miles left till your next oil change based on mileage. and some really high end cars tell you when you need to change your oil by analyzing the oil and determining the amount of "life" left on the oil.

Answer 3

It could mean a couple of things. The obvious that your oil might be low which could mean you can just add a quart or two and drive on or you might have a leak on the oil pan or elsewhere. Also it comes on when your car might overheat so look at the temerature gauge too just in case. Lastly sometimes the sensors for indicators blow a fuse or just act up when you hit bumbs on the road. Hope that helps.

Answer 4

It tells you that the oil pressure in your engine is not where it should be, mostly. Although, it can mean low oil, too. Best to check the oil level as soon as the light comes on, to avoid problems sooner than later! Don't wait until you get home or wherever--first wide spot, pull off and check it with the dipstick. If it shows no oil on the stick, better have a phone with you to call for help and/ or a tow. If you have several quarts in the trunk, pour them in if it shows no or hardly no oil on the stick. Look underneath for oil running out onto the ground. If none, or only drips, go home or to a garage to have them check it!
I heard of a driver?? whose redlight came on, so she drove 50 miles home to have her hubby check it. Which he did after paying the tow truck driver for a 40 mile tow!

Answer 5

You blow up your engine. Generally by the time it comes you did. But some cars have a change oil light. Or you need oil.

Answer 6

it depends on the vehicle make and year,

it can tell you 1 or more of the following, the oil is low, the oil is finished, it needs changing, it is not the right viscosity, the wrong oil has been placed in it.....

Answer 7

that you could have an oil leak. or if you havent changed it in a while that it is dirty and is starting to lose its boyancy. dont ignore it you could wind up locking your engine and that will get expencive. go spend about 10 or 15 dollars and change your oil then see what happens

Answer 8

low pressure..... usually it means no oil or bad bearings or bad oilpump... very serious...stop driving if it comes on...If only on at idle ttry thicker oil

Answer 9

that you need to top up your oil.....