What does the oil maintenance light look like?
In most cars, the oil maintenance light is a small dashboard icon that signals either a service due or a potential oil issue. A red oil-can symbol usually means low oil pressure, while an amber or yellow icon (often a wrench or an oil-life indicator) signals a maintenance or oil-change reminder.
Because dashboard icons vary by brand and model, the exact symbol and color can differ. This article explains the two main types you’re likely to encounter, what they look like, and what to do when you see them.
Common oil-related dashboard icons
Most vehicles fall into two primary categories for oil-related indicators: a red warning for oil pressure and an amber reminder for maintenance or oil life. Here are the typical visuals you may see.
- Engine oil pressure warning light — usually a red oil-can icon (sometimes shown with a drop). If this lights up while the engine is running, pull over safely as soon as possible and check oil level and pressure. Driving with low oil pressure can cause serious engine damage.
- Maintenance reminder / oil-change light — typically amber or yellow and shown as a wrench (spanner) icon or a “MAINT REQD” label, occasionally accompanied by “OIL” or “OIL CHANGE.” It signals service is due or approaching, not necessarily an immediate emergency.
- Oil-life indicator (where equipped) — shown as an amber gauge or text such as “OIL LIFE” with a percentage. It reminds you to schedule an oil change; exact appearance depends on the manufacturer.
Icons may appear in the instrument cluster or the vehicle’s information display, sometimes with accompanying text. If you’re unsure about a symbol, consult your owner’s manual or the quick reference on your dashboard display.
Brand variations
Different manufacturers use different icons or wording for oil-related alerts. For example, some brands rely on a wrench icon for maintenance reminders, while others use an “OIL LIFE” percentage or a specific oil can symbol. If in doubt, check your manual or the vehicle’s display guide for your exact iconography.
What to do when the light appears
The recommended action depends on which light is on and its color. Follow these general guidelines to stay safe and protect the engine.
- Identify which light is on, noting the color (red versus amber) and the symbol.
- If the red engine oil pressure light is on: stop the car at a safe location, shut the engine off, and check the oil level. If the level is low, add the recommended oil. If the light remains on or you notice unusual noises, smells, or overheating, seek emergency assistance or roadside help.
- If the amber maintenance or oil-life light is on: schedule service within the recommended interval. If your maintenance schedule calls for immediate action, contact a dealer or trusted shop to arrange a visit.
- Drive cautiously if the amber light is on and you’re nearby a service center, but avoid high speeds or heavy loads. Do not ignore an amber light if you’re unsure of its meaning; consult your manual or a professional for guidance.
- After service, ensure any required reset of the maintenance light is completed if your vehicle requires it. A dealer or qualified mechanic can perform this reset.
Safety comes first. If you’re unsure what a light means, refer to the owner’s manual or contact a dealership or mechanic for clarification.
Summary
Short answer: the oil maintenance light is typically either a red oil-can icon indicating low oil pressure or an amber/or yellow maintenance reminder (often a wrench or oil-life indicator) signaling service is due. The exact symbol and color vary by vehicle, so check your manual for the precise icon. When in doubt, stop safely if the red light appears, or schedule service if the amber light is illuminated.
What does the oil light on the dashboard look like?
The oil light typically looks like an old-fashioned oil can, often with a drop of oil coming from it. It can be red for a serious oil pressure issue or yellow/amber to indicate low oil level or a need for an oil change. A red light means you should pull over immediately, while an amber or yellow light means you should check your oil and schedule service soon.
Red oil light
- Appearance: A red icon of an oil can, or the word "OIL" in red.
- Meaning: Low oil pressure. This is a critical issue that requires immediate attention, as it can cause severe engine damage.
- Action: Pull over to a safe spot as soon as possible, turn off the engine, and do not continue driving.
Yellow/Amber oil light
- Appearance: A yellow or amber icon of an oil can, or a similar symbol with a wavy line underneath.
- Meaning: Low engine oil level. The system is indicating the oil needs to be topped off.
- Action: Check your oil level and add more oil if it is low.
"Oil Change" light
- Appearance: This is often a separate maintenance reminder, which can appear as text on your dashboard, such as "Change Oil Soon".
- Meaning: The vehicle is due for a routine oil change.
- Action: Schedule a service appointment soon to get your oil changed.
How long can I drive with the oil maintenance light on?
Long. Well you shouldn't let it get to that point but at the end of the day. It is your car i would never let it go that far personally. Um I personally like to change my oil every 3,000. Mi.
What does the oil maintenance light mean?
Your oil maintenance light is on either because you are due for an oil change, or there is a serious issue with your engine's lubrication system, such as low oil pressure, low oil level, or a faulty sensor. Check your owner's manual for the correct oil change interval for your vehicle, as a missed or un-reset reminder is a very common reason for the light to appear. If the light comes on shortly after an oil change, or if it's the solid red oil pressure warning light, you should check your oil level and consult a mechanic as soon as possible.
Common reasons for the light
- Oil change is due: The maintenance light is a reminder based on a set schedule (e.g., every 5,000 miles or six months) and is designed to tell you it's time for service.
- Light not reset: After an oil change, a mechanic or you may have forgotten to manually reset the light, which will cause it to come back on after the interval is reached.
- Low oil level: This is the most common reason for the warning light, especially the solid red one. It can be caused by normal oil consumption or a leak.
- Low oil pressure: This can be a serious issue. It may be caused by a failing oil pump, a clogged oil filter, or simply a low oil level.
- Faulty sensor: The light might be triggering a false warning due to a malfunctioning sensor.
- Dirty or old oil: Oil degrades over time and can become too thin or dirty to lubricate the engine effectively, triggering the light.
This video demonstrates how to reset the oil change reminder light on a Dodge vehicle: 56sHow To with LechYouTube · Jul 28, 2023
What to do immediately
- If the light is solid red: This indicates low oil pressure, which can cause severe engine damage. Pull over safely and turn the engine off. Check the oil level immediately. If the level is low, add oil and check for leaks. If it's not low, do not drive the car and have it towed to a mechanic.
- If the light is yellow/orange: This is often the "change engine oil" reminder. You can continue to drive, but schedule an oil change soon. It is also a good time to check your oil level.
How to handle the maintenance light
- Check your owner's manual: This is the best resource to find out your specific maintenance schedule and how to reset the light for your vehicle.
- Reset the light: If the light is the "maintenance required" type and your oil is fine, you will need to reset it. This is often done by turning the ignition to the "on" position and pressing the gas pedal three times, but the exact method varies by make and model.
- Get an oil change: If you are overdue for an oil change, have it done at a local shop or do it yourself. Make sure to have the light reset after the service is complete.
- Consult a professional: If you have a solid red oil warning light, have a leak, or if the maintenance light is still on after an oil change and reset, have your car inspected by a qualified mechanic to diagnose the underlying issue.
Is there a light that comes on for oil change?
The oil light, or oil pressure light that typically looks like a bright red light that says “OIL” only comes on when there has been a drastic drop in oil pressure or low oil level to a point that needs immediate attention, and it is essential to respond quickly if the light does happen to come on.
