Oil Pressure Gauge
Oil Pressure Gauge:
Engine oil is super important for your car since it is responsible for lubricating moving parts and keeping the head down to enhance the engine’s life. An instrument that checks and displays the oil pressure in your car is called an oil pressure gauge. It indicates the pressure by sensing the movements of oil through the engine. Along with mentioning leftover oil in your vehicle, it also shows the well-being of your car’s engine.
The oil pressure gauge informs you when your car is low on oil, if the oil pump is damaged, if the gasket leaks, etc. If you are regular to oil pressure gauge readings, it can act as an early warning system for a variety of potentially pricey issues.
Depending on the model and requirements, an oil pressure gauge may or may not be included in a vehicle. Since not every car has an oil gauge, sensor lights are designed to alert drivers when the oil pressure is too high or too low. However, the engine can cause expensive damage if it does lack oil pressure. This is the reason to monitor the pressure of the oil constantly.
Recommend Read: 6 Signs You Need To Change Your Oil Filter
How does an Oil Pressure Gauge work?
The working procedure of an oil pressure gauge depends on its type. The two types of pressure gauges’ mechanical and electrical work differently. An oil pressure-sensitive spring is used in a mechanical gauge. This causes the dial’s needle to move by the engine’s pressure in the mechanical gauge. So basically the engine forces the indicator in the mechanical gauge.
An electric gauge, however, uses a sending unit, a circuit, a sensor, etc., to send signals to the dashboard. When oil enters, the sensor produces a resistance that provides the pressure needed to move the needle in the display. So here, resistance is the leading cause for the needle to move.
Compared to mechanical gauges, electric gauges are less bulky and easier to integrate into modern cars with the latest technology. Also, if a mechanical gauge’s oil pipe is damaged, it will leak. As a result, mechanical gauges may need more care and upkeep than electric instruments.
Many cars may not have oil pressure gauges for pressure indication, but they at least have sensor lights. In this case, the alert light is linked to a sensor that measures oil pressure through a diaphragm and sends signals to turn the light on and off.
In simple terms, sensor lights get turned on if the oil drops to a specified level.
Signs of a broken oil pressure gauge:
- The first symptom of a bad oil pressure gauge is having your engine light on, but every car might not have a check engine light. In this case, you should look for other options.
- Most of the time, the oil pressure gauge shows low reading when it is faulty. So, if the oil pressure gauge constantly shows a low reading, you should doubt the instrument.
- There is a case to update your oil pressure gauge if it is constantly reading full or stuck to a point, though the oil level is normal.
- Is your engine noisier? Generally, the oil pump in the car pumps the oil with specified pressure. This oil is used in lubricating the timing chain present in a car’s engine. Thus, if the oil supply to the chain is not certain, you can hear a dry noise from the engine.
- An oil leak from the car’s engine is also a susceptible sign to check the oil pressure gauge condition.
- Often, a heaty car engine is also a consequence of a broken oil pressure gauge.
As soon as you notice any of the above symptoms, you must either go to a mechanic and take advice or replace the oil pressure gauge. The repair would cost you less when compared to a replacement, but replacement is necessary if the damage is severe.
How should you maintain the oil pressure gauge?
The instrument not only indicates the level of oil pressure but prevents you from spending tons of cash on broken parts of the engine. So, it’s crucial to take care of this auto part.
As you use the same oil for longer, then the viscosity of the oil drops and causes damage to the engine and oil pressure gauge. So, schedule your next oil change appointment to keep the oil quality and composition up to date.
It’s good to limit the car’s or engine’s exposure to high temperatures because severe temperatures can also affect the oil pressure gauge.
Sometimes the issue with the oil filter also leads to faulty high readings in the oil pressure gauge; in this case, the mechanic will replace the filter and change the oil.
For a healthy oil pressure gauge, you should consider changing the engine oil at least once a year.
I suggest you keep a check on your oil pressure gauge every 12-24 months for better durability of the instrument.
