Every educated Mini driver knows how essential oil is to the operation of their vehicle, so it can be a little alarming to see the oil pressure light come on in your car. The oil pressure light, which can look like an oil can or just be the word “oil”, will come on when the oil pressure in your car drops below a certain level.

Adequate oil pressure is needed for the proper lubrication of your engine‘s internal components. If you don’t have enough oil to provide lubrication, your engine parts can wear out faster or even cause engine damage.

What Causes Oil Pressure Light Activation?

• Low Oil Level: The engine’s oil level can decrease due to various reasons. One primary reason is the normal consumption of oil as the vehicle is used. Over time, oil gets used up and needs replenishing. Another reason could be oil leaks, where oil escapes from the engine due to a breach in the system, such as a worn seal or a cracked component. Additionally, if the oil isn’t regularly topped up or changed as per the manufacturer’s schedule, the level can fall too low. When the oil level drops, there isn’t enough oil to maintain the necessary pressure in the system, leading to the activation of the oil pressure light.
• Oil Pump Failure: The oil pump in your Mini is in charge of circulating oil throughout the engine. It ensures that all moving parts are adequately lubricated by maintaining the oil at the correct pressure. If the oil pump fails, this circulation is disrupted, leading to a drop in oil pressure. Without proper circulation, the engine parts do not receive the necessary lubrication, triggering the oil pressure warning light.
• Clogged Oil Filter: The oil filter helps remove contaminants from your Mini’s engine oil. Over time, the filter can become clogged with all of the debris it’s filtering out of your oil. A clogged filter impedes the flow of oil, causing a decrease in oil pressure. This ends up triggering the oil pressure light.
• Engine Wear: As your engine ages, its components can start to wear down. Where those parts wear down, they leave space for oil to flow between parts. While some engine parts do need lubrication, those gaps can cause the oil system to lose pressure. Lower oil pressure means that the oil cannot effectively reach all necessary areas of the engine, leading to inadequate lubrication.
• Oil Viscosity: The thickness (viscosity) of the oil is crucial for maintaining proper oil pressure. Using oil that is either too thick or too thin for your engine’s specifications can create problems. Thicker oil might not flow as easily, especially in cold conditions, leading to a drop in pressure. On the other hand, oil that is too thin might not maintain sufficient pressure at operating temperatures. Both scenarios can trigger the oil pressure light.

Steps to Take When the Light Comes On

• Stop the Vehicle: If the oil pressure light comes on while driving, find a safe place to pull over as soon as possible. Continuing to drive with low oil pressure can cause significant engine damage.
• Check the Oil Level: Once the engine has cooled, check the oil level using the dipstick. If it’s low, top it up to the correct level. This might immediately resolve the issue.
• Look for Leaks: Inspect under and around the car for any signs of oil leaks. Leaks can cause your oil levels to get low enough that the system can’t maintain pressure to circulate as it should.
• Get Professional Help: If the oil level is fine and there are no leaks, it’s best to have your Mini checked by a professional mechanic. A skilled service technician will have the knowledge and tools to complete diagnostics on your vehicle.

Come To Us For Unrivaled Repairs and Maintenance in Phoenix

At Tanner Motors, we proudly stand as the #1 repair shop in Phoenix, AZ, specializing in top-tier Mini repairs and maintenance. Our full-service workshop has a dedicated team of ASE-certified technicians ready to tackle any issue your Mini might encounter, including oil pressure light illumination.

Reach out now at 602-241-9888 and schedule your appointment with our expert team. Your Mini deserves the best, and we’re here to deliver just that!