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What Does the Illumination of Your Car’s Oil Change Light Mean in Canoga Park?

Car Oil Change Light

If the oil change light in your car has come on, you may assume that it only means that your oil level is low. While it could be as simple as that, there are several reasons why the light may come on. We will explain what those reasons are and why they are happening, how to fix these issues, and where to go to have them addressed.

Why the Oil Change Light May Be On

There are 5 typical reasons why your oil change light has come on.

  • Your oil level is low and needs to be changed. The more you drive, the more your fuel, oil, and coolant levels burn up. This is normal, and you may just need to top off your oil tank or have it changed.
  • Your oil is leaking somewhere and causes your levels to be low prematurely. This indicates that there is a larger problem in the works. Pipes may have burst and need to be repaired as soon as possible to avoid further damage.
  • The sensor that reads the oil levels may be malfunctioning, and it is time to have it replaced. This is usually due to typical wear over time, and it is nothing to worry about as long as you replace it when you notice the malfunction.
  • Your oil pump may be malfunctioning or failing. This is due to wear, debris clogging the pump, or abnormal breaks in the system. This can be dangerous if you do not have it repaired soon after you notice problems. A lack of oil can seriously damage the engine and leave you without a set of wheels.
  • Your oil pressure may be low. Check and make sure that your levels are still fine.

Ways to Fix the Issues

You can be proactive about the issues you are facing in a few different ways:

  • Refer to your driver manual and get your oil changed at the recommendation of the manufacturer. If you can’t find it, a good rule of thumb is to have your oil changed at least every 6 months.
  • Keep the oil pump clear of debris and gunk as often as you can. This causes several issues that can lead to a total breakdown of your engine.
  • Go see a qualified professional to have preventative maintenance done and to have any repairs or replacements done when you need them. They will be able to properly diagnose the issues your car is facing.

How to Change Your Oil

If the problem is a simple fix, you can change your oil yourself. Follow these steps, and you should avoid any further issues.

  • Look underneath the engine of your car and locate the oil drain plug.
  • Put a container underneath the plug to avoid a mess.
  • Unscrew the plug and let the oil drain into the container.
  • Unscrew the oil filter and replace it with a new one.
  • Open up a new bottle of oil and use a finger to moisten the gasket of your new filter with some of the oil.
  • Wipe the drain plug clean.
  • Replace the drain plug and tighten it so that none of the new oil escapes.
  • Refill the oil.
  • Replace the oil filler cap and run your engine for about a minute.
  • Check the oil level again after letting the engine cool down and top off the oil levels.
  • Remove the drain pan from under the engine.

If this seems too complicated, it is best to take your vehicle to a professional.

Car Oil Change Light Meaning

Where to Go to Fix Oil Change Light and Issues

Euro Plus Automotive is here to expertly diagnose and repair Car Oil Changeany problems you may be having with your oil light and any underlying causes of it. We primarily service brands like Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, Volkswagen, Acura, Lexus, Honda, Nissan, Infiniti, and Toyota. If you have any of these makes of automobiles, we guarantee we can fix your car and get you back on the road quickly.

We are located in the Canoga Park, Woodland Hills, San Fernando Valley, and Los Angeles County areas of California. If you are nearby, give us a chance to prove our quality and expertise. You will have a trusted mechanic for all of your future automotive needs.

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