The internal combustion engine is made up of several small moving parts.
Some of these parts rub against each other and create friction. With all this activity going on, an excessive amount of heat is generated inside the engine. For this reason, the engine needs a lubricant to ensure that these components are cooled and function properly. Engine oil serves as the main lubricant and also cleans debris from the component surfaces. Therefore, you always want to have the right amount of oil constantly flowing through your engine.
The oil pump creates the necessary pressure that allows the oil to flow through the engine components. The oil flows through the passages until it reaches the bearings. As long as the oil pressure remains sufficient, the rotating shaft creates no friction or any problems. The amount of pressure needed depends on the engine’s condition. If the engine is idling, the oil pressure will be lower. If you accelerate the vehicle, the engine requires more oil pressure. It’s as simple as that.
Top 5 Causes
You might encounter a situation where your oil pressure is low at the wrong time. For example, if you press the accelerator pedal to go faster but there isn’t enough oil pressure generated, you have a big problem. There are many reasons why this could happen. Don’t always assume the worst-case scenario, as it might not be that bad.
To help you understand what’s going on, here are the top 5 causes of low oil pressure in your engine.
1) Wrong Oil
Each automobile manufacturer will recommend the best oil to use for its engine. Basically, the oil’s viscosity needs to be adequate enough for the engine’s requirements. If the viscosity is too low, your engine will experience lower oil pressure inside its passages. Many people make this mistake whenever they try to upgrade their oil to another type. Don’t make this mistake, or it could cause you problems on the road.
2) Low Oil Level
It’s important to regularly check your oil level. If you end up with a low oil level in your engine, it will be harder for the oil pump to maintain consistent oil pressure. Cars tend to have low oil levels if the oil hasn’t been changed for a long time. This is even more common with newer vehicles.
3) Worn-Out Oil
If you leave the same oil in your engine for too long, it will start to lose its necessary viscosity. This means the oil will thin out excessively and cause problems with oil pressure. Here’s another reason why it’s important to change your oil at regular intervals. The oil wears out a bit every time you drive your vehicle. The more you drive, the more the oil wears out. Check your owner’s manual to see how many miles you should drive between oil changes.
4) Worn-Out Oil Pump
The oil pump is what makes the magic of oil pressure happen. If your oil pump starts to malfunction or wears out, it won’t be able to create the proper pressure for the oil flow in the engine. Although this problem is rather rare, it can occur.
5) Clogged Oil Filter – The oil must pass through a filter to remove contaminants. Eventually, your oil filter will get clogged with debris. Once this happens, it will significantly restrict the oil flow. This will ultimately result in a huge reduction in oil pressure.
Top 5 Symptoms
When the oil pressure is low, the signs will be quite obvious. In fact, the symptoms you experience will totally alter your ability to drive the vehicle safely and efficiently. You should take your vehicle to the nearest auto mechanic whenever you notice any of these symptoms. If you’ve already figured out the cause, you won’t have to worry about a diagnostic check.
Below are the top 5 symptoms that will occur when your car engine oil is experiencing low pressure.
1) Warning Light
The first symptom you’ll likely notice is your oil pressure warning light turning on the dashboard. There are sensors that can detect the available oil pressure level. These sensors are connected to the engine control unit. If low pressure is detected, the computer unit activates the warning light.
2) Poor Engine Performance
Your engine’s performance will lose its efficiency if you have low oil pressure. The engine components aren’t properly lubricated, forcing the engine to work harder just to meet the vehicle’s energy needs. Poor fuel economy will also result.
3) Burning Smell
Sometimes, when the oil pressure is low, the oil drips onto hot components. Without enough pressure to maintain the flow, the oil stays on these components longer and burns. As a result, a burning smell will form from the burnt oil.
4) Strange Noises
If the engine components can’t be properly lubricated by the oil, then they will grind together and cause all sorts of rumbling and grinding noises. If you hear strange noises like this from the engine, it’s a clear sign that you might have low oil pressure or low oil levels.
5) Overheated Engine
A lack of oil pressure means the engine can’t be sufficiently cooled by the oil. Therefore, the engine will start to heat up until it becomes overheated. Check the temperature gauge and you should see the needle moving into the red zone.