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Oil pressure light: what it means
The red oil can symbol means your engine isn't getting enough oil pressure. Oil is what stops the metal parts inside your engine grinding together, so this is one of the most serious lights you can see.
Is it safe to drive?
Stop driving. Pull over as soon as it's safe and turn the engine off. Driving even a few kilometres with no oil pressure can destroy an engine.
What to do right now
- Pull over safely and switch the engine off.
- Wait 5–10 minutes, then check the oil level on the dipstick (car on flat ground).
- If it's low, top up with the right oil for your car. If the light goes off and stays off, drive gently to a workshop.
- If the oil level is fine but the light is still on, don't drive it. Call us or arrange a tow.
Common causes
- Oil level very low (from a leak, burning oil, or an overdue service)
- An oil leak, such as a sump plug, gasket or oil filter
- Faulty oil pressure sensor (the light is wrong, but you can't know without testing)
- Worn or failing oil pump
- Blocked oil pickup from old, sludgy oil
Oil light or oil change reminder?
Some cars also show an orange "oil change due" or spanner symbol. That's just a service reminder, not a pressure warning. The red oil can is the serious one.
How we fix it
We check the oil level and look for leaks, then test the actual oil pressure with a gauge to see whether it's a real pressure problem or a faulty sensor. You'll get an exact price before we do any work.
If you're overdue for a service, we can do a full service with Castrol fully synthetic oil at the same visit.
Common questions
Can I drive with the oil light on?
No. If the red oil light stays on, stop the engine. Only drive on if you've topped up the oil and the light has gone off.
The light flickers when I stop at lights. Is that bad?
It can mean oil pressure is dropping, often because the oil level is low. Check your oil level straight away and get it looked at. Don't ignore a light that comes and goes.
How much oil should I add?
Add a little at a time and recheck the dipstick, staying between the two marks. Overfilling can cause problems too. If you're unsure, give us a call.
Light on? We can check it for you.
Greasy Hands, 48c Diana Drive, Wairau Valley. Open Wednesday to Sunday, 9am to 6pm.
Book a check online or call 09 440 9969.
This is general guidance only. Every car is different, so always check your owner's manual. If you're not sure, stop somewhere safe and call us on 09 440 9969.