Why is my Oil Light On?

With dozens of lights on your dash, your warning light for your oil should never be ignored, but why and how did it turn on?

At Community Buick GMC, understanding why your oil light came on could save you from costly repairs, breaking the bank at the pump, and the stress of looking for a new vehicle. So, if you’re on the web searching for “Reasons why my oil light would be on,” Community Buick GMC is here to showcase why your warning light is on and what it could mean for you!

Signs You Need an Oil Change

We all wish our cars would tell us what they need, but they give drivers multiple ways to tell us what their vehicles need and why.

• Dashboard Warning Light: Believe it or not, one of the main reasons your oil light is on is that you need an oil change. Modern vehicles have multiple sensors to determine the life and quality of your oil. When your car senses your oil is losing effectiveness, it’ll flip the oil light on.
• You’ve Reached the Recommended Miles: Another reason is, according to your manual or the type of oil used, it’s simply time for an oil change. Many manufacturers recommend charging your oil every 5,000 to 7,500 miles; while it does depend on your driving habits and what oil you use, our certified service experts have the fluids you need to keep your engine running and an answer to “Why is my oil light on?”
• Dirty or Grimy Oil: Clean oil should look amber in color and feel smooth, not dark and sludgy. Over time, your oil will collect and absorb dirt and other debris, making it look black, and with constant use, it’ll turn grimy and thick. If you see your oil light turn on, check your dipstick, and if you notice your oil sludgy and dirty, it’s time to call the experts at Community Buick GMC!
• Low Oil on Dipstick: Your dipstick is always a trustworthy method of determining why your oil light is on. Low oil means your engine isn’t getting the lubrication it needs, which increases the risk of damage and causes you to experience a hefty repair bill. If you notice little to no oil on your dipstick, you may have a leak or something more; you should reserve your appointment with our service team today!

Dangers of Driving With Low Oil

Low oil is a significant reason your oil light could be on. Driving with little to no oil could cause severe damage, leaving you paying for a new engine or ride! So, you may wonder, “What does driving with low oil do?” Here are reasons why you should always keep up with routine oil changes and what could happen if you ignore your oil light.

• Increased Emissions: Your vehicle’s motor needs oil to make combustion, and if it has little to no oil, it will emit unhealthy emissions that could pollute the environment or cause harmful fumes to blow back into your cabin.
• Reduced Performance: The last thing drivers want is an engine that doesn’t perform like it used to. When oil levels are low, your engine loses power, offers sluggish acceleration, rough idling, and more, which could lead to higher fuel consumption.
• Decreased Fuel Efficiency: With gas prices reaching sky-high numbers, you could see yourself stopping at the pump and forking out more for fuel. With little oil, your engine has to work harder to move power to your wheels, which means your car burns more fuel!
• Overheating: What damage can driving with low oil cause? With little to no oil, friction in your motor builds up, causing internal parts to crash and grind. This could lead to internal damage and the need to pull to the side of the road with your hood popped.
• Internal Engine Damage: The most severe consequence of driving with low oil is irreversible motor damage. Oil lubricates parts so they don’t smash and rub against each other, but when oil loses its efficiency or doesn’t have enough, your internal parts will mash and break apart, which could lead to an engine replacement bill or the need to buy a new ride.

Is Your Oil Light On? Visit Community Buick GMC!

“Why is my oil light on?” Community Buick GMC’s service experts can offer certified maintenance on oil changes to ensure a fresh, clean batch flows through your engine, prevent you from suffering the consequences of driving with low oil, and ensure your vehicle’s motor runs smoothly every time!

Is your oil light on, or do you think you have low oil? Visit Community Buick GMC in Waterloo, IA, and schedule your oil change today!