Why Is My Kia Oil Light On?

Kia of South Austin invites you to find out why your Kia oil light is on.

When the oil warning light illuminates in your dash, it can be cause for concern. Engines need oil, and a lack of oil can have disastrous consequences. Before you get too concerned, figure out which oil light is illuminated, do a few easy checks to see why the light is on, and then decide your next step. However, if your engine starts making a ticking sound when the oil light comes on, then you should pull over as soon as it is safe to do so. An oil light combined with a ticking engine could mean that it is getting damaged, and driving it in this condition could ruin your engine.

Is It The Oil Change Light, Or Is It The Oil Warning Light

Make Sure It Is Not Just The Oil Change Light

The first thing to figure out regarding the oil light is to make sure it is not just a scheduled maintenance reminder. Depending on your car, the maintenance reminder could have the same sound and warning light. If you’re past due on your recent oil change, it could even say ‘Change Oil Now’ and can look quite ominous. It’s not as bad as the oil light but should be corrected, so let us handle that to avoid any further issues.

Is My Car Losing Oil?

If an engine is leaking oil, that may trigger the oil warning light. Some common reasons for leaking oil are:

Incorrect oil filter
Incorrectly sealed oil pan drain plug
Worn gaskets
Oil filler cap is damaged

Even if you are not a licensed service technician, you can pop the hood and look for signs of oil leaks. The engine is going to be covered in dirt, but you can spot an oil leak if you see oily, wet spots. Adding oil between regular oil changes can be a band-aid fix, but it could still eventually lead to low oil pressure if it is not taken care of and lead to engine damage.

What Happens If My Car Has Low Oil Pressure?

An engine with low oil pressure will not fully lubricate all components. Unlubricated engine parts can be damaged and eventually cause total failure. If you have confirmed the engine has the correct amount of oil, then the oil light could be anything from the oil pump, a sensor, or even just low oil pressure alone. Your car should get checked out by our technicians in these situations. As stated earlier, running an engine on low oil pressure may cause engine failure.

Schedule Kia Service In Austin

Kia of South Austin is one of the best places to get an oil change in the Austin area. We proudly service all makes and models of vehicles. Visit our location online or in person to schedule service and repair for your car or truck. Our friendly technicians are ready to serve you.