4 Reasons Your Car’s Oil Light is On:

1. Low Oil Pressure. This means the oil pump isn’t circulating enough oil, or the oil level is too low for the system to circulate. Oil keeps the surfaces of the pump and engine lubricated, so if the level and pressure are low, the car needs to be stopped and the engine turned off to await inspection. Driving with low oil can ruin the vehicle’s engine.

2. Old Oil Circuit. Over time, the oil circuit may begin to wear out. Small gaps between moving parts may begin to increase in size, which can cause a slight drop in oil pressure. An aging pump may also cause oil pressure to drop. If the pressure dips enough from these causes, it may turn on the oil light and the circuit would require servicing.

3. Regular Oil Change. Your car’s oil should be replaced at regular intervals according to the vehicle owner’s manual. If you don’t replenish your oil stores by the suggested times, the levels may dip low enough to ignite the oil light.

4. Faulty Oil Sensor. The oil light responds to a sensor that acts as a probe into the oil passage. A foreign particle may get into the probe and cause it to send false messages to the car’s computer. If your oil levels are fine and the light remains on, consider having the part replaced.