Oil warning light on — keep driving or stop?

Red oil light: oil pressure

The red oil can means low oil pressure. Oil is no longer reaching the bearings and turbo properly. Stop as soon as it is safe and switch off the engine. Driving on, even “just home”, can damage the bearings within minutes.

After a few minutes check the level with the dipstick. If it is well below minimum, top up with oil of the right approval. If the light stays on afterwards, or the level was fine: don't start it, have it towed.

Amber or yellow light: oil level

Many cars also have an amber warning for low oil level, often with “top up oil”. That is not an emergency stop, but check and top up as soon as possible. The gap to the max mark shows how much; between min and max is often about one litre.

Light flickers at idle

If the red light only flickers at idle with a warm engine, pressure is borderline. Possible causes: low level, thinned or wrong oil, a worn oil pump or bearings, or a faulty pressure switch. The last one is good news, but don't assume it without measuring: we measure oil pressure mechanically before replacing anything.

Frequently asked questions

Can I drive to the garage with a red oil light?

No. Switch off the engine and check the level. If the light is still on after topping up, or the level was fine, have the car brought in.

Which oil should I top up with?

Oil with the approval from the owner's manual, for example VW 504 00 or MB 229.51. In an emergency another good oil is better than too little oil; we replace it all at the next service.

My car uses oil. Is that normal?

Some consumption is normal, especially on turbo engines. If you top up more than a litre between services, have the cause found.

Unsure about oil or interval? See the oil change in Tilburg or work out the price in the service calculator.