Short answer
If the oil pressure light comes on while you drive, pull over as soon as it is safe and turn the engine off. Without oil pressure, the engine can be ruined in minutes. Wait about 10 minutes on level ground, then check the dipstick. If the oil is low, add the type your manual calls for, a little at a time. If the light stays on after that, do not drive: call a tow.
Safety first
Pull over somewhere safe, away from traffic, with your hazard lights on, and turn the engine off right away. Do not touch the engine or the exhaust while they are hot.
What to do when the oil pressure light comes on
1The oil light comes on
It looks like an old oil can with a drop. The oil pressure is too low to protect the engine. This one cannot wait.
Read all the steps
- The oil light comes on. It looks like an old oil can with a drop. The oil pressure is too low to protect the engine. This one cannot wait.
- Pull over and turn the engine off now. Hazard lights on, and stop away from traffic. Every minute the engine runs without oil pressure can damage it for good.
- Wait, then check the dipstick. Give the oil about 10 minutes to drain down. Pull the dipstick, wipe it, push it back in and pull it again. The oil should be between MIN and MAX.
- Low? Add oil a little at a time. Use the oil type in your manual. Pour a little, wait a minute and check again. Do not fill above the MAX mark.
- Light still on? Call a tow. If the light goes off and the engine sounds normal, drive gently to a mechanic. If it stays on, the engine knocks or oil leaks, do not drive.
- Still not fixed? Call a mechanic Especially if: the light stays on after you add oil.
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Oil pressure light or oil change reminder?
The oil pressure light, the oil can, means stop now. An "oil change" or "maintenance" message, or a wrench symbol, only means service is due soon. Some cars also have an amber oil level warning: add oil at the next safe stop. Your owner’s manual shows each symbol.
What not to do
- Do not keep driving to "make it home" with the light on.
- Do not overfill. Too much oil causes problems too.
- Do not ignore a light that flickers at idle or in turns: the oil is low or the pump is weak.
When to call a mechanic
- The light stays on after you add oil.
- The oil level was fine, but the light came on anyway.
- You hear knocking or loud ticking from the engine.
- Oil is leaking under the car, or you see smoke.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with the oil pressure light on?
No. Pull over and turn the engine off as soon as it is safe. Driving without oil pressure can destroy the engine, and that repair costs far more than a tow.
Why does my oil light come on and then go off?
Often the oil is low, so the pump sucks air in turns or at idle. Check the dipstick. If the level is fine, the oil pump, a sensor or a clogged filter may be the cause.
How long can an engine run with no oil pressure?
Not long: damage can start within minutes. That is why you stop right away instead of looking for an exit far ahead.
What kind of oil should I add?
The type in your owner’s manual or printed on the oil cap, like 5W-30. In a pinch, any motor oil beats running low, but switch to the right one soon.
Is the oil pressure light the same as the check engine light?
No. The oil pressure light is an oil can and means stop now. The check engine light is an engine outline and is usually less urgent, unless it flashes.
Should I call a tow or a mobile mechanic?
If the light stays on after you add oil, or the engine knocks, call a tow. If the oil was just low and the light went off, a mobile mechanic can look for leaks and change the oil at your home.