Published on: February 21, 2023
Written by Gian Camilo / Fact-checked by Harun Khan
If you’re a driver in the UK, you may have heard of the MOT test, a mandatory annual inspection that all vehicles over three years old must undergo. During the MOT test, your car will check to ensure it meets certain safety and environmental standards, such as having a functioning braking system and meeting emissions requirements. However, many drivers have one question: whether their car can pass the MOT test with the oil pressure light on.
The oil pressure light is a warning light that indicates there may be an issue with the oil pressure in your car’s engine. If this light is on, it can be a cause for concern, as low oil pressure can lead to serious engine damage if left unchecked. This begs the question, can you still pass your MOT test if the oil pressure light is on?
Here we’ll explore this topic in detail, including the possible reasons why your oil pressure light may be on, the dangers of driving with it, and how you can fix it before your MOT test.
Can I Get an MOT with an Oil Pressure Light On?
The short answer is no. You cannot get an MOT with the oil pressure light on. During the MOT test, the inspector will check your car’s dashboard warning lights, and if the oil pressure light is on, your car will fail the test. This is because the oil pressure light is a critical warning indicating an issue with the oil pressure in your car’s engine. Low oil pressure can lead to serious engine damage, and driving with the light on can be dangerous.
If your car fails the MOT test due to the oil pressure light being on, you’ll need to address the issue before you can take the test again. This means diagnosing and fixing the problem, so the warning light turns off. The good news is that there are several reasons your oil pressure light may be on, and most of them are relatively easy to fix.
As mentioned earlier, low oil pressure can be caused by a low oil level, a clogged oil filter, an oil pump failure, or a faulty oil pressure sensor. By checking these components and repairing or replacing them as necessary, you can get your car’s oil pressure back to normal and ensure it passes the MOT test. It’s important to remember that fixing the oil pressure light issue is necessary for the MOT test and your car’s overall health and safety.
What Does the Oil Pressure Light Mean?
The oil pressure light is a warning light on your car’s dashboard that alerts you to a problem with the oil pressure in your engine. The oil pressure light is usually red, and it looks like an oil can with a drop of oil dripping from its spout.
When the light comes on, the oil pressure in your engine is too low, and several factors can cause this. The most common reasons for the oil pressure light to come on include the following:
- Low oil level: If your car is low on oil, it can cause the oil pressure to drop and trigger the oil pressure light.
- Clogged oil filter: If your car’s oil filter is clogged, it can prevent oil from flowing through the engine properly, which can cause the oil pressure to drop.
- Oil pump failure: If your car’s oil pump is not working correctly, it can cause the oil pressure to drop and trigger the oil pressure light.
- Faulty oil pressure sensor: If the oil pressure sensor in your car is faulty, it can send incorrect signals to the car’s computer, causing the oil pressure light to come on.
When the oil pressure light comes on, it’s important to stop driving as soon as it’s safe and check the oil level in your car. If the oil level is low, you should add more oil immediately. If the oil level is normal, you should have your car inspected by a mechanic as soon as possible to diagnose and fix the problem.
Causes of the Oil Pressure Light
Some different issues can trigger the oil pressure light. Some of the most common causes of the oil pressure light include:
Low Oil Level:
Low oil level is one of the most common causes of the oil pressure light. If your car is low on oil, it can cause the oil pressure to drop and trigger the warning light.
Clogged Oil Filter:
If your car’s oil filter is clogged, it can prevent oil from flowing through the engine properly, which can cause the oil pressure to drop and trigger the warning light.
Oil Pump Failure:
The oil pump is responsible for pumping oil throughout your car’s engine, and if it fails, it can cause the oil pressure to drop and trigger the warning light.
Faulty Oil Pressure Sensor:
The oil pressure sensor is responsible for sending signals to the car’s computer and activating the warning light. If the sensor is faulty, it can send incorrect signals, causing the warning light to come on.
Worn Engine Bearings:
The bearings in your car’s engine can wear down over time, and this can cause a drop in oil pressure, triggering the warning light.
Oil Viscosity Issues:
If the oil in your car’s engine is too thin or too thick, it can cause the oil pressure to drop and trigger the warning light.
It’s important to note that the oil pressure light should always address. If the light is on, it means that there’s an issue with your car’s oil pressure, which can cause serious engine damage if left unchecked. If the oil pressure light comes on, it’s important to stop driving your car as soon as it’s safe and have it inspected by a mechanic.
Can I Drive with the Oil Pressure Light On?
It is not recommended to drive with the oil pressure light on. The oil pressure light indicates a critical issue with the oil pressure in your car’s engine, which can cause serious engine damage if left unchecked. If the light is on, the engine may not receive enough oil to lubricate and cool its internal components.
Low oil pressure can cause the engine to overheat and seize up, which can be dangerous if driving at high speeds. It can also cause other serious issues, such as a blown head gasket, a cracked engine block, or a damaged crankshaft. In the worst-case scenario, driving with the oil pressure light on can lead to complete engine failure, which can be expensive to repair.
If the oil pressure light comes on while driving, you should pull over as soon as it’s safe and turn off the engine. Check the oil level and add more oil if necessary. If the oil level is normal, you should have your car inspected by a mechanic as soon as possible to diagnose and fix the issue.
How to Fix the Oil Pressure Light?
If you see the oil pressure light on, you must take action immediately to prevent serious engine damage. There is a table outlining the steps you can take to fix the oil pressure light:
| Steps to Fix the Oil Pressure Light | Description |
| Step 1: Turn off the engine | Please turn off the engine as soon as it’s safe. |
| Step 2: Check the oil level | Check the oil level and add more oil if necessary. |
| Step 3: Inspect the oil filter | Check the oil filter for clogs and replace it if necessary. |
| Step 4: Check the oil pump | Inspect the oil pump for damage and replace it if necessary. |
| Step 5: Replace the oil pressure sensor | If the oil pressure sensor is faulty, replace it. |
| Step 6: Check the engine bearings | Inspect the engine bearings for wear and replace them if necessary. |
| Step 7: Flush and refill the oil | If the oil is too thick or too thin, flush and refill it with the manufacturer’s recommended oil. |
| Step 8: Inspect the engine for damage | If the oil pressure light continues to come on, have the engine inspected for damage by a qualified mechanic? |
It’s important to note that some of these steps may require professional expertise or specialized tools. If you’re uncomfortable performing any of these steps, you should take your car to a qualified mechanic for repair.
Fixing the oil pressure light can involve various steps, from checking the oil level and replacing the oil filter to inspecting the engine for damage. It’s important to address the issue as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your car.
Bottom Line
You cannot get an MOT with the oil pressure light, and driving with the warning light is unsafe. If you see the oil pressure light on, it’s essential to take immediate action to prevent significant engine damage. Check the oil level, filter, pump, and pressure sensor to diagnose and fix the problem as soon as possible. Please don’t ignore the warning light, as it can cause significant engine damage and be expensive to repair.