Oil warning light: causes and solutions

An engine oil warning light appearing on your car dashboard can be a sign of a potentially serious issue.

It is important that you do not ignore the engine oil warning light, it may indicate that your car has insufficient oil or there is a problem with the vehicle’s oil pressure. 

In this car maintenance guide, we explain why the engine oil warning light has come on and what you need to do to have it fixed by a mobile mechanic or a trusted local garage. 

What is an engine oil warning light?

The oil warning light is a critical indicator on your vehicle’s dashboard that signals a problem with the engine’s oil system. Oil is a vital lubricating fluid for the car’s engine as it operates.

When the oil warning light is on, it will likely indicate a problem with one of the following:

• Oil pressure 
• Oil level
• Oil circulation

Why is my car's engine oil warning light on?

There are several possible reasons why the oil warning light might come on.

• Low oil pressure, which means the engine may not be receiving enough oil to lubricate its internal components effectively
• Oil level is too low, this can cause damage and wear to the engine – and potentially other vital components
• Faulty oil pump, causing the oil to circulate inadequately
• Faulty oil sensor, triggering a false warning

What should I do if the engine oil warning light comes on?

If the oil warning light comes on while you are driving, it is important to act quickly. You should pull over when it is safe to do so and turn off the engine.

Once the vehicle is stopped, allow the engine to cool down for at least 10 minutes before checking the oil level using the dipstick.

If the oil level is low, adding oil may resolve the issue. However, if the light remains on after topping up the oil, or if the level is already sufficient, it is best to call for roadside assistance.

Should the problem be severe, the vehicle may need to be inspected by a professional mechanic.  

What does the engine oil warning light look like?

The engine oil warning light typically appears as a red icon resembling an oil can with a single drip of fluid.

The oil warning light illuminates when the oil temperature becomes too high or when the oil level or pressure drops too low.

That is why it’s crucial to respond to this warning immediately.

How long can you drive with the engine oil light on?

You should not drive with the engine oil light on. The light may indicate a serious problem with the engine, which will be made worse by continuing to use the vehicle.

Even driving for a few minutes can cause severe damage in many cases. If the light comes on, pull over safely, turn off the engine, and check the oil level.

Continuing to drive could lead to costly or irreparable engine failure.

It is important to change your car engine oil when required.

• What oil does my car need?
• Car dashboard warning lights – what do they mean?
• How to check your car’s engine oil – your video guide

Oil pressure warning light

The oil pressure warning light will illuminate if there is insufficient oil pressure. It will appear as a yellow or red oil can with a drop of fluid on the dashboard.

It is advisable to stop the vehicle as soon as possible and let the engine cool before checking the oil level and topping up if necessary. 

Low engine oil warning light

In the majority of vehicles, if the level of engine oil is too low, then the yellow or red oil can symbol will appear on the dashboard.

Why is my engine oil light flashing?

If you see a flashing oil light, it often indicates a more urgent issue with the engine’s lubrication system. If your engine oil light begins flashing, you should pull over and turn off the engine as soon as it is safe to do so.

A flashing engine oil light appearing on your dashboard is a serious warning that should never be ignored.

This can include critically low oil pressure, low oil level, or a malfunctioning oil pump that is preventing oil from circulating properly through the engine.

Once the engine has cooled, check the oil level using the dipstick. The next step is to call for a mobile mechanic or have your vehicle towed to a trusted local garage.

Change engine oil light

Some vehicles use engine oil life monitoring systems that let you know when to change the oil. The change engine oil light may appear as a yellow spanner symbol next to an oil can with a drip of fluid. 

In some cases, the warning light may be a yellow spanner symbol with OIL written next to it. 

If this light comes on, the engine oil and filter will need to be changed. This should be carried out by a qualified professional, like a mobile mechanic.

Why is my oil light and engine management light on?

If the oil level or oil pressure has dropped to a serious level you may see the engine management light and the oil light illuminated on the dashboard. Both lights will stay on or start flashing to indicate an issue with either the engine itself or one of the systems that links to it.

If the engine management and oil light are illuminated, it may indicate a significant problem with the engine. If both lights are on, we'd strongly recommend getting a mobile mechanic to look at your car as soon as possible.