ALT-3 What to do when your Oil Light comes on
Depending on the age of the car you are driving, the oil light is an indication that it's time for an oil change, or of course you might be low on oil, which many of the new cars that have that feature. It automatically lets you know that you have driven a certain amount of miles that would require changing the oil.
Older cars have a light that comes on to let you know that you are low on oil. However after checking the oil level, and looks clean, and is at the "full" mark, you could possibly have a faulty sensor that is making the light come on. No need to panic on the spot, but you don't want to drive too far without stopping somewhere to check the level.
Should this happen whereas the light does come on, you should pull over when its safe to, and check the oil level after the sits for a few minutes. The oil should be fairly clean and have viscosity. If the oil is low, then replacing the amount needed should solve the problem.But keep in mind there is a more serious reason why the light would come on. Perhaps the pump itself has failed, therefore not pumping the oil as it should. Also the output circuit flow must be controlled, so that the proper amount of oil is pumped throughout the engine.
The pump has a specific volume and the oil output is relative to speed.Aside from checking for viscosity and levels, if light comes on after filling to proper levels, or with a complete oil change and filter replacement, you then have to get it to a service center. You have some problems that would be too involved to discuss in this article.
Therefore, a visit to your local garage for a diagnosis is what you need to do, and to postpone doing so, risks some serious engine damage. There is a reason why cars have indicator lights and sensors. To ignore them is like ignoring pain in your body that suddenly develops that you've never experienced before. Pain tells you something is wrong. This is the role your engine light plays when it suddenly comes on.
If your car is in good condition, and you have your oil changed every 3000 miles, there should be no reason why your light should come on, unless of course there is another problem rather than the need to top off the oil. The exception is if you know for sure that your car is "burning" oil, and in that case, the light will always tell you via coming on that it's time to top off the level.
