Low Engine Oil Pressure: Causes and How to fix it

Oil is used to protect the engine of a automobile. When it comes to car engines, oil has proved to be an essential product since it controls the inner activities that occur within the engine. Lack of enough oil in a car engine leads to overheating as well as wearing down of the engine parts due to the friction that arises due to lack of lubrication within the engine.

As for the case of oil, other issues such as low engine pressure are brought about by occurrences such as lack of enough oil hence lubrication becomes an issue. Causes of low engine pressure result in a variety of internal problems within the car engine. So as to avoid scenarios of oil pressure, car owners may need to understand the reasons that lead to low oil pressure in car engines.

The reasons that lead to low engine oil pressure are as follows:

  1. Lack of enough oil in an automobile
  2. Engine wear
  3. Having a problematic oil pressure gauge
  4. Having problems with the filter
  5. Viscosity of the Oil

The above reasons that lead to low engine oil pressure are described below in brief.

1. Lack of enough oil in an automobile

Lack of enough oil in an automobile is among the major reasons that lead to low engine pressure. At times, car owners forget to check the oil levels in their vehicles frequently so as to avoid lack of adequate oil in the engine. As a result, car owners should make it their tendency always to check their oil levels in their vehicles frequently. Besides, checking the oil levels in the car is among the easiest tasks to carry out. Hence, all car owners should make it a habit so as to avoid such an issue.

Check oil level with dipstick

Check oil level with dipstick

2. Engine wear

Oil flowing through an engine is similar to blood flowing through the veins of a human body. The oil flows through the cam bearings as well as the crankshaft bearings of a car engine. If oil fails to pass through the major parts of the engine, they will wear out due to factors such as lack of lubrication. As a result, the smooth flowing of oil through the engine comes in handy when reducing the pressure in the engine.

3. Having a problematic oil pressure gauge

Oil pressure gauges are usually installed within the vehicle by the car manufacturers. The oil pressure gauges are often used to monitor the oil pressure on a real time basis. At times, the oil pressure gauge may incur some issues and may tend to give the car owner readings that are not accurate. So as to ensure that the oil pressure is always correct is to ensure that normal readings are always carried out even manually at regular intervals.

4. Having problems with the filter

Oil filters are mandatory especially when it comes to maintaining of oil pressure. In case an oil filter incurs clogging, the oil pressure will reduce as a result. So as to reduce oil pressure, the pressure relief valve that is usually found in an oil filter always makes sure that the oil pressure does not boost to high levels. In some cases, whenever the relief valve incurs damages, oil tends to pass more freely from the engine hence reducing the oil pressure.

5. Viscosity of the Oil

Viscosity frequently determines the thickness of the oil. Oil with high viscosity tends to be thicker and does not flow very fast as compared to oil with low viscosity. As for viscosity, oil with high viscosity tends to avoid the rapid building of oil pressure.

Oil Filling in an automobile

Oil Filling in an automobile

Though oil pressure tends to pose a problem, there are various ways to solve such a problem. Since lack of sufficient oil within the engine constitutes a problem to the oil pressure levels, it is good for car owners to make it their daily routine to check out the oil levels in the car engine. Also, oil filters need maintenance at all times. Hence, every time the car is scheduled for a routine service, the oil filters should also be checked so as to ensure that everything in the vehicle is running smoothly.

Besides, the various seasons also tend to affect the oil pressure of vehicles. During summer, it is advisable to use oil that has high viscosity. Also, it is desirable to use oil with a low viscosity during the winter season. Another precautionary measure to take into consideration is such as having an auto mechanic always carrying out oil pressure readings in the car from time to time.

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Anthony Ebden is the founder of MyHandyGarage, where he blog about the best car maintenance guides, tips & trick and finest auto tech that will help you take good care of your vehicles. He is also a car enthusiast; his ultimate goal is to share his passion and love of cars to all people.

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