In most of the modern car models, the oil pressure always plays an essential role in ensuring that lubricants would reach the places where they need to such as the balance shaft bearings, main, and camshaft. This will help lower the wear of many engine parts and make sure that the engine would continue to operate smoothly without getting too hot. When you are checking the oil pressure gauge in your car, bear in mind that the readings of the pressure are often higher in cold weather because of higher viscosity or thickness of the oil.
How an Oil Pressure Gauge Operates
In general, the inner working of an oil pressure gauge would mostly depend on its type, which is either mechanical or electrical.
An electrical gauge basically applies a circuit and a sending unit to transmit electrical signals to the gauge through a wire-wound coil. Those components will allow the engine to change the indicator needle to present the correct pressure reading. On the other hand, the oil will come to the end of the sensor and push against the diaphragm that moves up and down a wiper inside the sensor on a resistance blade. As a result, this creates the signal that helps to move the needle in the electrical gauge.
A mechanical model often applies a spring which is adjusted by the pressure of the engine oil. Another important part is a coiled tube, also known as a bulb, which is attached to the outer casing of the oil pressure gauge and the connection at the needle’s bottom. Under high pressure, oil will be pumped into the bulb from a supply pipe, just like in the car engine. Eventually, that makes the bulb to straighten. In general, this pressure is the main factor that moves the oil pressure needle on the dash, which shows the level of oil pressure in your car’s engine.
A couple of car models are made with an oil warning light rather than an oil pressure gauge. In these situations, the warning light is often connected to a sensor which has a simple off-on switch to read the oil pressure via a diaphragm in the engine.
Common Sign of a Defective Oil Pressure Gauge
If the oil pressure gauge in your car is not working correctly, ask a professional or experienced mechanic to know the underlying causes. The following are several common symptoms that the oil pressure gauge in your vehicle is not operating properly:
Other Causes of a Low or High Oil Pressure Gauge Reading
Apart from a defective oil pressure gauge, problems with other parts and systems within the car’s engine could lead to a low or high reading. With the help of a mechanic, you would check those affected areas to make sure those parts still remain in good working condition and are not causing any problems concerning the oil pressure.
