As a Hyundai driver, you will likely see your oil light appear on the dashboard at some point. Before you panic, this is normal, depending on the underlying issue causing it to illuminate. Your Hyundai oil light can mean many things, whether pressure-related, oil quality or level-related, or a case of rapid temperature or condition changes. This post will be your ultimate guide to why your Hyundai oil light has turned on and the best ways to remedy the situation. Stay tuned because we are here to help!
What is an Oil Light?
The oil light inside a vehicle is what drivers can rely on for real-time oil updates and changes inside their engines. The role of the oil light is to alert you of a problem with your car's oil, whether big or small, which is much like a check engine light or check brake light. Every modern vehicle, including Hyundai nameplates, will have a computer system that communicates with the internal components. When something triggers your computers to alert you of a problem via the dashboard, this means it is time to schedule an appointment with your local dealership so a professional can check things out. For a Hyundai oil light, you may be able to handle this yourself, depending on the exact issue.
Common Reasons Why Your Hyundai Oil Light is On
Regarding the common reasons your Hyundai oil light is turned on, this could be due to a few main issues. First, low oil is one of the most frequent reasons the team at Colonial Hyundai sees drivers with a flashing or stable light on their dashboard. Next, you could have a pressure issue with your vehicle's oil, which is something our team can handle on your behalf. Oil quality can also send a warning to your dashboard, so having routine six-month oil changes is essential. Bad oil is just as alarming as low oil, all things a certified technician can assist with.
Low Oil Level
The most common culprit for the Hyundai oil light is low oil. If drivers do not bring in their Hyundai for routine changes and flushes, the check oil light will likely appear and stay on the dashboard until addressed. This is a quick and painless appointment, and you can even add more engine oil at home without needing to swing by your nearby Hyundai dealership or service center.
Oil Pressure Issues
If your Hyundai oil light turns on, you have enough oil, and everything appears good, the pressure could be what is wrong. High oil pressure or low oil pressure can severely damage your system, which is why seeing a light flash on your dashboard is something you want to handle. Your engine relies on a forced lubrication system, where oil is picked up by a positive displacement oil pump and forced through oil galleries into bearings. Temperature changes can wreak havoc on your car, truck, or SUV, as well as other rapid on-road conditions, so keep this in mind.
Oil Quality Deterioration
Another common reason for a Hyundai oil light on the dash is poor quality oil inside your engine. Normally, engine oil stays good for about six months. There are four basic oils we see in models:
- Conventional Motor Oil
- High-Mileage Engine Oil
- Synthetic Motor Oil
- Synthetic Blend Motor Oil
Whether you use one or the other will depend on your Hyundai and will affect your oil change service timeline. By ignoring your scheduled maintenance, the oil inside your engine will degrade, causing the oil light to illuminate.
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Potential Consequences of Ignoring the Oil Light
There are many potential consequences of ignoring your Hyundai oil light. These could be as minor as trouble with acceleration or poor fuel economy but could quickly become as serious as engine failure, damage to vital components like the cylinders and camshafts, and safety risks to passengers. Therefore, we strongly suggest reaching out to your local Hyundai service team, Colonial Hyundai, so we can make sure nothing bad is happening beneath your hood. Give us a call today!
Steps to Take When the Oil Light Comes On
If you suddenly see the Hyundai oil light flash on while you are driving, we recommend doing the following:
- Find a safe place to pull over/head home.
- Check your car's oil using the dipstick test.
- Add oil if necessary and wait for the light to turn off.
- If this is not the issue, reach out to your dealership.
It's also worth noting that the dipstick test is pretty simple. You only need to remove it from its tube, clean it with a rag, reinsert it, and then pull it out again to see the quality/results of your engine's oil.
Recommended Oil Change Intervals
According to Hyundai and most manufacturers, oil change intervals should happen every 7,500 to 10,000 miles, depending on the type of oil used. Conventional oil will have the shortest lifespan, while synthetic tends to last longer. Regardless, we recommend scheduling an oil change with us every six months so we can ensure your car, truck, or SUV is performing at optimal levels. Your model may also need a total fluid flush every three or so years, which can help with overall quality long-term.
Why Choose Colonial Hyundai for Oil Changes?
Hyundai drivers in or near New London, CT, should choose the experts at Colonial Hyundai because we are dedicated to your success and safety. No matter the model you have, the issue you're facing, or the timeframe we're working with, you CAN depend on us to help get your Hyundai oil light turned off and your engine maintained. That's the Colonial Hyundai way!
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Schedule Service at Colonial Hyundai
The next time you notice your Hyundai oil light pop up on the dash, call the professionals at Colonial Hyundai in New London, CT. We offer expert service for new and used models each week and can't wait to roll up our sleeves. Remember, it's not worth it to wait when your car's engine is involved. Come see us today!
