Like any machinery, a car’s engine periodically requires some lubrication to keep working. Your car’s engine must be lubricated with engine or motor oil to operate smoothly. The oil runs through several parts of the engine and should be pressurised to a certain range for smooth flow. Ideally, the operating range of most vehicles and engines for oil pressure is around minimum 25 psi and maximum 65 psi for warming up the oil. Once sufficient pressure is built up, the motor oil can run across the engine.
However, very high oil pressure in cars is a red signal. It is usually indicative of an obstruction or a serious issue that is causing the oil pressure to rise against the standard range. Moreover, high oil pressure in cars is potentially a sign of other underlying problems that must be immediately addressed.
Let’s discover the symptoms and causes of high oil pressure so that you can get them fixed as soon as they start to appear.
COMMON SYMPTOMS OF HIGH OIL PRESSURE IN CARS
There are three main symptoms of high oil pressure in cars but if suspected, a professional will likely test the oiling system.
SIGNS OF OIL LEAKAGE
Components in a vehicle are designed to function within certain parameters. Any system that experiences pressure beyond those parameters begins to malfunction. Thus, if there is an abnormally high oil pressure in your car, you will spot signs of leaks around attachment points, seals, and gasket. Failure to bring down the pressure in due time can result in leaks throughout the system, causing the engine to get too hot, and lead to various other mechanical problems.
HIGH PRESSURE IN CRANKCASE
High crankcase pressures are detected by sensors within it that tend to trip the check engine light when abnormal values are detected. The crankshaft and other moving parts are housed within the crankcase that are tested by a professional mechanic if high oil pressure is suspected. As such, if you spot high pressure within the crankcase, your oiling system is likely malfunctioning.
OIL PRESSURE GAUGE GOING INTO RED
The third and most common sign of elevated oil pressures is the pressure gauge creeping into the red. Although not every vehicle may come with an oil pressure gauge, but if there’s one, all you have to do is peak inside to detect the problem.
COMMON CAUSES OF HIGH OIL PRESSURE IN CARS
CLOGGED OIL FILTER
When we talk about causes of high oil pressure in cars, the first reason that comes up is a clogged, blocked, or damaged oil filter. It usually happens over time, after years of wear and tear, but it can also happen if something gets stuck in your oil filter while the car is running.
If a clogged filter is the cause of high oil pressure in car, you can easily get it fixed. All you have to do is change car oil, replace the filter, and out you go! Also, there are many benefits of regularly changing car oil, other than that it keeps oil pressure in standard range.
CHOKED PASSAGES
Another good reason of high oil pressure is blocked or choked series of passages to the crankshaft. To lubricate all parts of the engine, it is important for the oil to move through smoothly and efficiently. In case of any friction or resistance in the passages, the oil pressure can build up very high.
MALFUNCTIONING OF RELIEF VALVE
Relief valve is designed to provide a place for the oil to flow and release the pressure. These valves are set to open and let the oil in once the pressure reaches a certain level of PSI. In case of relief valve malfunctioning, the oil pressure cannot be released and continues to rise that becomes harmful for the engine.
POOR GRADE OF OIL
Different grades of oil are meant for different types of engine as they have varying levels of viscosity. Therefore, you must not experiment with oil grades especially if you have no prior knowledge about the lot. Using a different, or let’s say, the wrong oil grade for car engine can elevate the oil pressure abnormally. Other than this, pay attention to the signs indicating presence of wrong oil in your car and take effective measures accordingly. Therefore, it’s better to consult your car’s manual or an expert to find the recommended oil grade for your vehicle.
FAULTY OIL PRESSURE SENSOR
Another causative agent for high oil pressure in car is a faulty oil pressure sensor (or pressure gauge). In this malfunctioning, the sensor transmits a false signal showing an overly high pressure even when it is perfectly normal. You may have to diagnose it with a manual oil pressure tester to get the right reading before proceeding with the fix.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WILL HIGH OIL PRESSURE DAMAGE MY CAR?
Yes, it can. High oil pressure in cars obstruct proper lubrication of engine parts that can lead to mechanical problems. A bigger issue is that high oil pressure is most likely indicative of another, more serious problem with the engine’s internal components. If left untreated, it can easily lead to engine failure. Therefore, getting high oil pressure checked for mechanical problems should be your best bet.
CAN I DRIVE WITH HIGH OIL PRESSURE?
It is recommended to not drive when the oil pressure exceeds the maximum because the engine can potentially get damaged, thus requiring expensive repairs and replacements.
Abnormally high oil pressure is not a very severe point of concern, as compared to causes of low oil pressure, but when it does happen, you shouldn’t delay the fix. The only signs to really detect it are oil leaks, oil gauge, and increased crankcase pressure. If you are going to buy a used car in the UAE, make sure to inspect the vehicle to ensure that there are no common symptoms of high oil pressure.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for more information about different auto parts, their maintenance and repair guides and a lot more.
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