Is it safe to drive with an oil light on?

The engine oil indicator indicates a low engine oil level or low engine oil pressure. Stop and check the engine oil to avoid serious engine damage.

The oil light may come on for a variety of reasons, including low oil levels or a faulty sensor. If the oil level indicator comes on while driving, stop immediately and stop the engine. Your engine may stall and refuse to spin if you run out of oil. An accident can occur if the vehicle suddenly stops while driving. Driving with a burning oil light is unsafe and even very dangerous. To get back to safe driving, learn why the oil light might be on and what to do when it comes on.

4 reasons why the oil light in your car is on:

1. Low oil pressure. This means that the oil pump is not pumping enough oil, or the oil level is too low to circulate in the system. The oil keeps the pump and engine surfaces lubricated, so if the level and pressure are low, stop the car and turn off the engine pending a check. Driving with low oil levels can damage the vehicle's engine.

2. Old oil circuit. Over time, the oil circuit can begin to wear out. Small gaps between moving parts can start to expand, which can cause a slight drop in oil pressure. Pump aging can also lead to a drop in oil pressure. If the pressure drops enough for these reasons, the oil light may come on and the chain will need service.

3. Regular oil change. The oil in your car should be changed regularly according to the car's owner's manual. If you do not replenish the oil at the specified time, the oil level may drop so much that the oil indicator lights up.

4. Faulty oil sensor. The oil indicator responds to a sensor that acts as a probe in the oil passage. A foreign particle can enter the sensor and cause false messages to be sent to the car's computer. If the oil level is normal and the light stays on, consider replacing the part.

4 steps to take when the oil light comes on:

1. Pull off the road. If the light comes on at speed, pull over to the side of the road in case the vehicle stops unexpectedly due to engine failure to avoid collisions.

2. Turn off the engine. Turn off the engine to prevent damage to it.

3. Check the oil level. Check the oil level with a dipstick in the oil well - accessible under the hood of the car. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert. Take it out again to see if it is dry or low on oil. In this case, do not drive further and call a tow truck to transport the car.

4. Contact a mechanic. Have a mechanic inspect your vehicle to fix any problems with the oil system.

Is it safe to drive with an oil light on?

No. Driving with low oil pressure or low oil levels in the system can damage the vehicle's engine and cause it to fail. If you notice that the oil light comes on while driving or while the vehicle is in motion, you should stop driving and have the problem resolved as soon as possible.