PriceProtect™
DriveShield™
GarageGuard™
Services
Insurance
Car Insurance
Compare Car Insurance with Jerry
Jerry’s Expert Advice
Car Insurance Estimates
Home & Renters Insurance
Renters Insurance
Repairs
Car Repair Estimates
Repair Estimates for Popular Services
Advice
Read Car Content
Browse Jerry Car Advice
Check Out Expert Car QnA
Learn About How We Create Content
Jerry Data & Research
What Does Low Engine Oil Pressure Mean?
While I was driving today, my check oil warning light came on and I thought I could smell something burning. Someone said I might have low oil pressure. What exactly does that mean?
Patrick Price · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Oh no! I’m so sorry to hear you’re having trouble with your car’s oil. Based on the symptoms, it sounds like your friend is right: you probably have low engine oil pressure.
Basically, low engine oil pressure means there isn’t enough pressure to keep oil flowing to all the parts of your engine. This can cause serious damage fairly quickly. You’ll need to check your oil and possibly have your car towed to a mechanic.
Oil keeps your engine lubricated and running smoothly. Without it, your engine will become severely damaged or even totaled. Watch out for these common symptoms of low oil pressure:
- Oil warning light is on
- Burning smell while the engine is running
- Engine stalling out
- Engine overheating
- Unusual noise from your engine
The most common cause of low engine oil pressure is not having enough oil. Check your oil level. If it is low, you’ll need to add more oil. If the level keeps dropping after you refill it, you may have an oil leak.
If your oil level isn’t low, you might have a more serious problem. It could be something as simple as a dirty oil filter or something more complex like a bad oil pump. If this is the case for you, it’s best to take the car to a mechanic and avoid driving when possible in the meantime.
Cars are only one incident away from needing extensive repairs. Make sure you’ve got the
car insurance
coverage you need for a reasonable price. Jerry
, the nation’s top-rated car insurance brokerage app, can help you find great coverage for low rates. Download the app and Jerry will pull quotes from dozens of top companies. Drivers who use Jerry save an average of $887 a year on their insurance! View full answer
- Gregory R.
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance
You Might Also Be Interested
Read Advice From Car Experts At Jerry
What Others Are Asking
Browse More Content
Insurance in Your State
Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance
No long forms
No spam or unwanted phone calls
Quotes from top insurance companies