Gift Ideas for Truck Drivers
February 22, 2021Surviving Life On the Road
March 1, 2021Seeing a warning light come on indicating your engine has low oil pressure could mean you have a serious problem.
Having the right oil, along with the correct level of oil and oil pressure, is essential for an engine to run optimally. If the pressure drops too much, an engine can be damaged beyond repair in a matter of minutes.
To potentially save yourself a huge repair bill and an even bigger headache, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with what oil pressure is, why it’s important, some of the common causes of low oil pressure problems, and what to do in the case of an emergency.
Importance of Oil Pressure
Oil pressure is one of the most important factors contributing to an engine running smoothly and lasting a long time.
Engines are complex pieces of machinery, and they have a lot of weight to pull – literally. Having oil in an engine makes sure that all the moving parts are well lubricated and able to function optimally.
When the oil is flowing through an engine, pressures build up. It’s this pressure that ensures the oil reaches everywhere it needs to and keeps on flowing.
If the pressure drops to the point where oil is no longer flowing freely around all the engine’s moving parts, unlubricated metal surfaces will come into contact.
This results in friction, warping, seal breaking, and some other issues. In short, it’s a quick way to ruin an engine. Problems with oil can truly inflict major damage to your vehicle if left unchecked.
So, it’s essential that you keep an eye on your oil pressure gauge and conduct routine maintenance. If the warning light comes on to indicate there is a problem with the pressure, stop your vehicle as soon as possible.
To give an idea of what the problem might be, here are 5 of the common causes of low oil pressure in your engine:
5 Causes of Low Oil Pressure
There are many possible causes behind low oil pressure, some more obvious than others.
If your oil warning light is on and you want to perform some checks yourself, the following information should help:
1. Oil Level Is Too Low
The oil level dropping below the minimum dipstick line is one of the most common causes of low oil pressure. This can happen at any time, even if you’ve recently had an oil change.
Over time, engines burn oil more quickly. This is due to piston rings wearing, seals leaking, and so on. Or, you may find you actually have an oil leak. So, you may see a faster drop in oil pressure depending on the age and condition of your vehicle.
This is most likely the case if you discover your oil level is too low despite recently having your oil topped off, as you wouldn’t expect it to suddenly be burning quickly.
What to do – Check your oil level. If it’s below the recommended minimum amount, top it off. Check for leaks by looking for oil drops on the floor and monitor how many miles before you need to top off again.
2. The Viscosity of the Oil Is Too High or Too Low
Oil viscosity relates to how easily the oil flows around the engine at any given temperature. If the oil’s viscosity in your engine is wrong, it can register as low oil pressure.
High-viscosity oil will typically produce greater resistance, while low-viscosity has the opposite effect. Typically, lower viscosity oils are used in colder temperatures, while in the summer, when temperatures rise, a higher viscosity oil is often used. All engine oils come with a grade and viscosity rating. It’s important to check your car’s manual to identify the right oil for your vehicle.
What to do – If you’re topping off your engine oil yourself, check with the manufacturer’s handbook that you’re using the correct oil. If a garage did the oil change, ask them what oil they used.
3. Signs of Engine Wear
If you check your dipstick and it says you have enough oil and you’re sure it’s the correct viscosity, it might be a sign that your engine is starting to wear.
There are a number of moving parts in an engine that oil has to flow freely through. In particular, the engine bearings are prone to wear at high mileage, which can cause a drop in oil pressure.
Many factors contribute to how long an engine will run before showing signs of wear and burning oil quicker. As a general rule of thumb, you should be proactive in maintaining the engine health of cars or trucks that are used frequently.
What to do – You need to have your engine checked by an engine technician to establish if worn engine parts are the cause.
4. Oil Pump Failure
The oil pump is what regulates semi-truck oil pressure. If the pump is malfunctioning in any way, one of the first things that will happen is your low oil pressure warning light will come on.
You may also notice decreased power, rising engine temperature, and engine stalling.
What to do – You will need to have your pump checked by a mechanic to confirm if this is the cause or not.
5. Clogged or Dirty Oil Filter
Oil filters help to remove contaminants, dirt, and other debris from engine oil. These particles can build up over time and, without a filter, would cause serious damage to an engine.
Filters can only hold so much before they need replacing. If your filter is starting to get clogged up, less oil will flow around the engine, causing the pressure to drop.
What to do – Have your oil filter checked by a mechanic and replaced if necessary.
What Is Normal Oil Pressure on a Semi-Truck?
The exact range will vary depending on the type of engine you have. For most semi-trucks, the normal operating oil pressure is between 40-50 PSI (pounds per square inch).
Keep in mind that it takes around 20 minutes for an engine to reach its maximum operating temperature. The pressure will also drop a little if you’re spending a lot of time idling, too.
Trucks are fitted with both an oil pressure gauge, showing the oil pressure in PSI, and a warning light should the pressure drop dangerously low.
It’s always important that you pay attention to any warning lights on your dashboard. The oil pressure is one of the most serious. If the light comes on, or you see the pressure dropping on the gauge, act as soon as possible.
Low Oil Pressure Stop Engine Light On
When that low oil pressure stop engine turns on, even briefly, it’s a signal that your vehicle needs immediate attention. Oil pressure is critical—it serves as the lubricant for the moving parts within your engine, preventing premature wear that can occur rapidly. Ignoring this warning is akin to overlooking a severe drop in your body’s blood pressure; it’s an issue that demands immediate action.
If your vehicle’s warning light turns off and your mechanic can’t find any errors using diagnostic tools, the situation can be confusing. It’s similar to being declared healthy while experiencing obvious symptoms of an illness.
The problem could be as simple as a defective sensor or a loose connection that triggers the warning inaccurately. Sometimes, sensors can be overly sensitive and react to unpredictable weather conditions. This can cause the diagnostic system to receive intermittent signals that are not reliable.
Another possibility is that there’s an oil problem that isn’t immediately serious enough to trigger a constant warning. For example, low oil levels, substandard oil quality, or a blockage in the oil supply lines may not manifest consistently, similar to a poor internet connection.
Even if your mechanic couldn’t identify any faults, it’s important not to ignore the warning light and continue driving as usual. These indicators can be misleading, like elusive ghost stories. Just because they’re not visible doesn’t mean they aren’t indicative of a deeper issue. Continue your inquiries, consider seeking a second opinion, or request that your mechanic manually verify the oil pressure with a gauge. Detecting an actual pressure issue early can prevent catastrophic engine failure.
Remember, while the cost of car repairs may be unwelcome, the costs of neglecting potential engine problems can escalate dramatically and turn your car into an expensive liability. The best decision is to address the issue promptly to avoid being stranded and making small talk with a tow-truck driver.
In Need of Semi-Truck Oil Change Services?
LubeZone has locations throughout Texas, Georgia, California, and Oklahoma to better serve your semi-truck needs. Are you in need of an oil change or check-up, or is your oil warning light on?
Contact us today for more information!