Did your car oil light just illuminate on your dashboard? This definitely isn’t something to put off like a low washer fluid: it’s a real engine oil warning light with real consequences that could mean catastrophic damage to your engine.
At Alex Renner Motors in Dubai South, we’re very familiar with these kinds of faults so don’t delay. Book a proper diagnostic from our expert team and let specialists find the fault before it bites you in the wallet.
What Does the Oil Light Mean on Your Dashboard?
Your dashboard oil light is, in fact, an oil pressure light. What does that mean?
It means the engine may not be getting enough pressurised oil to protect its precious bearings, cams and in some cases, turbos. You can consider it one of your most critical car maintenance warning lights. If you’re then asking your phone “what does oil light mean?” head straight to AR Motors where they can check live data and actual oil pressure so you’re not guessing. (Yes, this applies to even your Maserati.)
Top Reasons Your Oil Light Is On
Low Oil Level
A low oil warning or check oil light can be triggered by oil leaks, excessive consumption or a long overdue service. You can top up the oil, but only with the correct grade and approval. Don’t be that Audi owner who adds the wrong off-the-shelf oil and then wonders why the light returns.
Low Oil Pressure
Harder to diagnose, but no less dangerous: thin or overheated oil, a clogged pickup or internal wear can all be signs of low oil pressure.
A common clue is that the oil light comes on when idling, then fades with revs. It’s particularly dangerous for drivers who track their car regularly. Porsche flat-six owners, you’ve been warned.
Faulty Oil Pressure Sensor
An iffy oil pressure sensor failure can fool both the cluster and you. A good auto electrician can confirm this one fairly quickly, whether he’s investigating a Ferrari or an Aston Martin.
Oil Pump Malfunction
This is much less common. A way to spot it is if you hear a persistent rattle on startup or see higher temperatures. Those are classic oil pump issue symptoms.
Dirty or Degraded Engine Oil
When it gets old, engine oil loses viscosity and can sludge, starving the pickup of oil. If your car oil light appears just before a service, you may have just found the cause.
At AR Motors, we’ll drain the oil, refill it with fresh fluid and fit an OEM-quality filter at the approved interval. Some Lamborghini and Bentley turbocharged models are especially sensitive to oil quality.
Frequently Ask Questions
No, you cannot safely drive with the oil light on.
- Ease off the throttle, indicate and stop as safely as you can.
- Switch off the engine immediately.
- Wait a minute, and then check the oil level.
- If the level is low and you have the right oil, add a small amount, recheck and restart only if the light clears.
- If the oil light flashing continues or returns, do not restart.
That’s what to do if your oil light is on while driving. Call AR Motors if you need expert guidance, whether it’s a Rolls-Royce Phantom or your average hatchback.
It’s a good question you might find yourself typing into your phone: “why is my oil light on but oil is full?” Or the classic “engine oil light on but oil level is fine?” Luckily, these can be answered easily.
Possible causes include a failing sensor, blocked pickup, aerated oil from overfilling or wrong viscosity of fluid used, while some engines can show low warm pressure due to wear or timing component issues.
AR Motors can easily confirm with a full inspection.
Knowing how to check engine oil level can absolutely save your engine – so here’s how you do it.
- Park on a level surface with a warm engine and wait two minutes.
- Pull the dipstick, wipe, reinsert, then read the level.
- Level must sit between min and max.
- If it’s low, add small amounts of the correct oil and recheck.
If you want to double check your electronic readings, speak to the friendly team at ARM.
You should consult a mechanic immediately if the light stays on, returns, or the car feels rough. Oil light on and car shaking? Sounds like a misfire or internal wear.
If the oil light came on while driving and you heard ticking, arrange recovery and an inspection at ARM.
Preventing Future Oil Light Warnings
The easiest way is to service on time with manufacturer-approved oil and a quality filter. Second, let hot turbo engines cool down with gentle driving before switching them off.
After any service, confirm the level is correct to avoid car oil light on after oil change. Monitor your garage floor for drips. If the engine is using oil regularly (not uncommon in high performance cars) track its consumption and keep a spare litre in the boot.
AR Motors can set reminders, run a baseline test and advise across high-performance cars, from Singers to McLarens.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Ignore That Oil Light
Whether it’s a sensor glitch or real pressure loss, an oil warning light needs action now. Still wondering why is my oil light on? Book your car in for an appointment at Alex Renner Motors for trusted diagnostics and repair.
It’s the smart way to keep your car on the road.
