As you drive down the road to the store, you notice that your car seems sluggish. It does not respond well when you need it, and your fuel economy has gone from excellent to awful. To make matters worse, you notice that your oil light stays lit after all the other dashboard lights have gone dark. Your vehicle is trying to tell you that the oil pressure in your engine is much too low for peak performance, and it is time to seek out assistance from Calgary’s mechanic shops.

What Causes Low Oil Pressure in Your Car or Truck

Why does oil pressure drop in my car, you ask. Here are the most common reasons:

1. Low or No Oil in the Engine: Failing to check your oil or have it regularly changed is the biggest reason an engine has low oil pressure. By not checking your oil, you may miss leaks, especially in supply lines.
2. Incorrect Oil Viscosity: Manufacturers design engines to utilize a specific viscosity of oil to ensure proper flow. If you choose an oil with a lower thickness than required, then there will be less resistance. Conversely, if you pick an oil that is too thick, your engine will generate more viscosity than needed.
3. Oil Pump is Damaged: Your oil pump is vital to moving oil throughout your system. When it fails, your car’s oil pressure drops. They fail for a variety of reasons, such as poor installation or poor oil maintenance.

How You Know Your Oil Pressure Has Dropped

When oil pressure takes a dive, your vehicle will let you know in different ways, such as:

• Poor Engine Performance: As the oil pressure drops, friction between parts increases. You will then notice a decline in engine performance. In addition, you may see other issues with performance, like loss of fuel economy, power, or stalling.
• Warning Light Illuminates: The sensor in your car will trigger the warning light on your dashboard to illuminate. This may be the most common signal that there is a problem.

How You Can Fix a Low Oil Pressure Problem

The good news is that you can fix a low oil pressure issue, some of which are pretty simple. Here is what you can do to alleviate the problems:

• Keep Track of Your Oil Levels: Make it a point to check your oil levels regularly. You might make it a weekly routine.
• Use the Right Viscosity: Check your owner’s manual, use the recommended viscosity rating for oil changes, and keep levels topped off.
• Look for Signs of Leaks: Check under your car for puddles that suggest you might have an external oil leak.
• Replace Your Oil Pump: A qualified Calgary auto mechanic should replace damaged oil pumps.

Leave Nothing to Chance – Seek Out Lakeview Automotive in Calgary

Stay diligent in the maintenance of your truck or car. Look to the crew at Lakeview Automotive in Calgary for oil changes and fixing low oil pressure problems. Though we hold Fords and Subarus near and dear to our hearts, we love working on all makes and models, ensuring you can get many years of enjoyment out of your ride. Contact us today!

Call our auto mechanic shop in Calgary at 403-242-1575 or book an appointment online for dependable, expert service on all your cars, trucks, and fleet vehicles.