How to diagnose and fix low oil pressure problems in your car
Indeed, the heart of an automobile is the engine, as the heart of the engine is the
oil pump. This engine oil lubricates moving parts, remove waste heat, and drive
hydraulics.
In many older vehicles, an oil pressure gauge in the instrument cluster gives a
visual indication of the actual oil pressure, usually topping out at 50 to 60 psi. But
most modern vehicles have done away with the oil pressure gauge. It has been
replaced with a simple low oil pressure warning light, which illuminates when oil
pressure drops below 5 to 7 psi.
If your vehicle has an oil pressure gauge, it shouldn’t dip into the red zone at the
bottom of the gauge. If your vehicle only comes with a warning light, then it
should never come on while the engine is running. But if the gauge shows red or
the warning light stays on, stop driving immediately and shut the engine down.
Note that insufficient oil pressure will quickly lead to expensive engine damage.
Low oil pressure problem in your car depends on several critical factors. Some of
them are oil supply, oil type, engine condition, oil pump condition, and the
weather.
Below are a few possible causes of low oil pressure and how to diagnose and fix low oil
pressure problems in your car
Remember, oil is an essential and required fluid in your car engine. Oil lubricates
some components of the engine, keeping the engine in good shape. An absence
or low supply of oil will cause the engine to overheat as a result of friction taking
place among the components.

 Obstructed Oil Filter:
Once the oil leaves the oil pump, it passes through the oil filter. And this filter
prevents debris and other contaminants from passing through the engine and
keeps it clean. Note that this filter naturally creates a resistance in the oil flow but
is not disruptive.

So as the build-up of debris grows, the restriction of the oil flow will increase.
Sometimes this could result in a completely blocked oil filter through which no oil
can pass. And to prevent a blockage, the pressure relief valve will open.
Though this valve opens automatically when the pressure exceeds a preset value.
And then the oil will then bypass the oil filter so it can keep on flowing. So this
detour reduces the pressure to that of the bypass valve.
 A low Oil Level:
Whenever the oil level is low, the oil pump can draw up air from the sump. And
this can cause the oil to become aerated and turn into foam. Remember foaming
can lead to excessive oxidation and reduces the lubricating properties of the oil.
Having an insufficient amount of oil, the oil pump will not be able to generate
enough pressure. And this low oil pressure could also be fluctuating during high-
speed turns. So during these turns, the oil will move to the side of the sump, away
from the oil pump.
 A Dirty Oil Pump:
Note that the oil pump takes the oil from the bottom of the oil pan and distribute
the oil under pressure to the bearings, pistons, and camshaft of the engine.
Meaning if there is dirt in the pickup, the filter will prevent this from going into
the oil pump. But if the filter is full of debris, it may have to be cleaned before
enough oil can pass through it. Also, there could be excessive clearances inside
the oil pump.
However, this will reduce the ability to pump efficiently and reduces the flow and
pressure. Sometimes this can happen because the oil pump is the component
within the engine that is lubricated with unfiltered oil. This is due to the fact that
the oil filter is situated after the oil pump. But if there seems to be no problem
with the oil pickup filter, it could be that your oil pump is damaged.
 A Worn Engine Bearings:
Remember, oil pressure is not created by the oil pump itself but through the flow
and resistance that flow produces. However, this resistance is accumulated by the
openings in the engine through which the oil flows. And also, through the amount

of clearance there is between the bearings and crankshaft journals. But in a high
mileage engine, these bearings will wear down causing the amount of clearance
to increase.
However, due to this increased clearance, the flow will increase and therefore
decrease the pressure. Note that these increased bearing clearances will also be
noticed by an increase in engine noise and pounding. So if there are increased
clearances in other places in your engine, this could also lead to reduced oil
pressure.
 A Weak or leaky oil pressure relief valve:
Indeed, the pressure relief valve helps to regulate oil pressure and protects the
engine from getting damaged by high oil pressure. Usually, the valve opens
automatically when it exceeds a preset value. Meaning if debris gets stuck, it
could be that the valve is open, and this will reduce the oil pressure.
 An Oil Viscosity: 
Remember, a low viscosity oil flows more easily through the engine than a high
viscosity oil. And this is because a low viscosity oil generates less resistance that
results in low oil pressure. Note that temperatures impact the viscosity of the oil.
But if you are using a mono-grade oil, it is important to choose the grade
depending on the temperatures outside.
This means that if you’re using high viscosity oil in summer, you can switch to a
lower viscosity in winter to avoid an oil that is too thick to flow easily. Also, the
same applies whenever you’re using a low viscosity oil in winter, you can switch
to a higher viscosity oil in the summer so that more resistance will be generated.
But if you’re using a multi-grade oil, your oil will be suitable for all seasons and
won’t require a change depending on the temperatures. However, to choose the
right type of grade, always follow the manufacturer’s advice.

Conclusion on how to diagnose and fix low oil pressure problems in your car
Note that no matter the mileage of the car you’re driving, it’s a good idea to pay
attention to its life-blood. And also, the correct viscosity at the correct level,

adjusting for engine wear and seasonal changes. But if the oil pressure warning
light comes on, stop and examine everything over before lack of lubrication