When the oil warning light comes on in your dashboard, it can be a little scary. Oil is the lifeblood of an engine, and a lack of oil can have destructive consequences. Before you get too worried, figure out which light is illuminated, do a few quick checks to see why it is on, and then figure out the next steps. However, if your engine starts making a ticking sound when the light comes on, you need to pull over as soon as possible. Engine ticking combined with the oil light could mean that it is likely damaging itself, and driving it could destroy your engine.
Oil Change Light vs. Oil Warning Light
Making sure it’s not just a scheduled maintenance reminder is your first step to understanding your oil light. Depending on your car, the maintenance reminder may have the same warning light and alarms. If you’re past due on your recent oil change, it might even say ‘Change Oil Now’ and can look quite ominous. It’s not quite as bad as the oil light but needs to be corrected, so let us handle that to avoid further problems.
Low Oil
If the engine is leaking oil, it might set off the oil light. Some of the more normal causes of leaking oil are:
Wrong oil filter
Incorrectly sealed oil pan drain plug
Deteriorating engine gaskets
Damaged oil filler cap
Even if you are not a mechanic, you can check under the hood for oil leaks. The engine is going to be dirty, but you can spot a probable oil leak if you see oily, wet spots in the engine bay. Adding oil between oil changes can be a simple fix, but it can eventually cause low oil pressure if it is not taken care of and cause damage.
Low Oil Pressure, What Is It?
Low oil pressure means internal components of the engine might not be fully lubricated. Unlubricated engine parts will get damaged and can cause complete failure if left unchecked. If you have confirmed the engine has the right amount of oil, then the oil light could be anything from the oil pump, a sensor, or even low oil pressure. Your vehicle should get immediately checked out by our knowledgeable technicians in these kinds of circumstances. As said earlier, running an engine on low oil pressure can cause permanent damage.
Schedule Kia Service In Lubbock
Gene Messer Kia is one of the most trusted places for oil changes in the Lubbock area. We happily service all vehicle makes and models. One of our factory-trained technicians will inspect your vehicle for any necessary repairs and suggest the best resolution for you and your vehicle. Schedule your Lubbock service in person or online today.
Telluride Hybrid
