Is the red Mazda oil light a bad thing?

By Product Expert | Posted in Service, Tips & Tricks on Thursday, October 17th, 2019 at 8:00 am
man frustrated at the wheel of his car

What does the red oil light mean on a Mazda?

In every car’s life, including reliable Mazda models, a light eventually comes on the dash that is concerning. We all know about the dreaded “check engine soon” light, but there is one light that is even more dangerous. It’s the red oil light. What does the red oil light mean on a Mazda? We have your answers.

red low oil pressure lightDoes the red oil light mean low oil pressure?

When you see the red oil light, it means you have low oil pressure. This can actually be caused by a lot of things, and not all of them are costly repairs. You could have low oil from a leak or even by neglecting your oil levels. It could even mean you have the wrong oil in your Mazda.

Other more major causes could include dirt build up in your engine’s oil system, an oil pump that is going bad or already gone, or even a faulty oil pressure gauge. If you are driving an old Mazda model, it can also result from engine wear. If it’s not too far worn, this can usually be remedied by changing the type of oil you are using. In this event, you should consult a trusted Mazda mechanic.

What do the colors of Mazda warning lights mean?

hand pulling out dipstickWhat to do when you see the red oil light?

In most situations, your engine isn’t in immediate danger, but you should still pull over safely, turn off the engine, and assess the problem. Checking your dip-stick is a good way to quickly check if it’s just a low oil level issue. Just remember that your engine is hot.

Make sure you wipe off the dipstick the first time and only pay attention to the second reading. When your engine is running it can slosh quite a bit of oil up on your dipstick. If your oil level seems fine, call your mechanic to determine your next steps.

man changing oil of his carWhy is low oil pressure a bad thing?

Low oil pressure is not just damaging to an engine, it can render your engine into a hunk of metal that would do more good as a boat anchor than a means of propelling your car forward. This is why you need to be careful.

Read More: When to change Mazda transmission fluid

If your oil pump goes out suddenly, and you don’t stop your car and shut the engine off fast enough, your engine could be done for. Even low oil levels can eventually result in the same fate. Always take your oil level seriously, and get that oil changed regularly.

What kind of oil does Mazda recommend using?

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