Why You Should Call A Tow Truck When Your Oil Light Is On

February 18, 2021

On the road there is one certainty – unexpected problems can crop up at any time. One common issue many drivers are unprepared for is their oil light coming on. When this happens, many wonder whether it is necessary to call a tow truck. This blog explains why your oil light may switch on, and why it’s essential to have your car towed immediately.

What does the oil light mean?

When your dashboard oil light comes on, it can signal one of several possibilities, including:

  • A low oil level
  • Lowered oil pressure
  • Your car’s oil pressure unit malfunctioning
  • Your oil pump needs replacing

These scenarios can be frustrating and downright dangerous, so do not ignore these warning signs.

What should I do?

Pull over once it is safe. Stop your car and turn off the engine. It’s very dangerous to keep driving when your oil light is on. It is possible (but not always likely) that your oil has run dry. If so, your car may suddenly stop and cause an accident. After pulling over, open the hood to check the oil level. Oil pressure shows how efficiently oil circulates around your engine.

If the oil pressure is low, the pump either isn’t circulating properly or your oil level is low. If there is insufficient pressurised oil moving through your engine, it can be severely damaged.

If you’ve checked the oil level and topped it up (if needed), get into the vehicle, start your engine and see if the light is red. If not, you’re able to start driving again. If the light’s red,  call  for a tow truck straight away. 

What exactly does a tow truck do?

A tow truck is designed to transport an inoperable vehicle to the owner’s home or a mechanic. Generally, the trucks are operated by emergency services or individual businesses. These vehicles are used for a variety of purposes. These include accident recovery, repossession or roadside assistance. The most common reason tow trucks are used for roadside assistance is when it is extremely unsafe to drive a car to a mechanic.

Why should I call a tow truck?

In pressing circumstances, calling for a  tow truck  is vital. For example, a roadside assistance technician can’t meet you, or it is not safe to drive your vehicle to a mechanic. And, as mentioned previously, we recommend calling a tow truck as soon as your oil light illuminates. Even if you have oil handy to top it up, having your car towed is still advisable. The reason for this is because you may have an oil leak.

If left undetected, an oil leak can cause irreversible damage to your engine. This, in turn, may result in your engine seizing up, and needing to be completely replaced.

To avoid an extremely costly repair job, 
call the experts at Mick’s Towing Service today!

If the tow isn’t an emergency, feel free to  get a quote online  if you don’t want to call.

A Tow Truck With a Red Car on the Back — Mick’s Towing Service Pty Ltd in Carrara, QLD
By Mick's Towing Service Pty Ltd January 23, 2025
Stay safe during a breakdown with expert tips. For fast assistance, rely on our emergency towing in Gold Coast to get you back on the road quickly.
A Towing Truck is Carrying Two Military Vehicles — Mick’s Towing Service Pty Ltd in Carrara, QLD
By Mick's Towing Service Pty Ltd December 18, 2024
Discover the advantages of local towing services. Rely on our expert heavy towing services on the Gold Coast. Call for assistance today.
A Towing Truck is Carrying a Black Car on the Back of It — Mick’s Towing Service Pty Ltd in Carrara, QLD
By Mick's Towing Service Pty Ltd September 4, 2024
Uncover the truth behind common myths about 24-hour towing services on the Gold Coast. Be ready for any emergency. Learn more now!
A Man is Standing Next to a Tow Truck With a Car on It — Mick’s Towing Service Pty Ltd in Carrara, QLD
By Mick's Towing Service Pty Ltd July 30, 2024
Explore the science behind vehicle recovery and towing techniques. Learn more about tow truck near me and get expert assistance today.
A Tow Truck is Carrying a Small House on the Back of It — Mick’s Towing Service Pty Ltd in Carrara, QLD
By Mick's Towing Service Pty Ltd June 26, 2024
Discover the different types of cranes and learn what’s needed for safe towing. Ensure efficiency and safety in your projects.
A Man is Standing Next to a Broken Down Car With the Hood Up — Mick’s Towing Service Pty Ltd in Carrara, QLD
By Mick's Towing Service Pty Ltd May 22, 2024
Discover the 4 Essential Items Every Driver Should Keep in Their Car for Breakdown Emergencies. Stay Safe and Ready! Read on to know more!
A Tow Truck is Carrying a Dump Truck on the Back of It — Mick's Towing Service in Carrara, QLD
By Mick's Towing Service Pty Ltd April 22, 2024
Ensure safety with these 5 essential precautions for heavy car towing. Protect your vehicle and others on the road. Learn more!
A Tow Truck is Carrying Two Cars on a Trailer — Mick’s Towing Service Pty Ltd in Carrara, QLD
By Mick's Towing Service Pty Ltd April 15, 2024
Learn key tips for handling your vehicle before, during and after towing on the Gold Coast. Get in touch with our team for dependable towing services!
A Car is Being Towed by a Tow Truck on the Side of the Road — Mick's Towing Service in Carrara, QLD
By Mick's Towing Service Pty Ltd February 23, 2024
This blog post will guide you through the essential steps to verify the credentials and hire certified towing services. Read on to learn more.
A Tow Truck is Towing a Car on a City Street — Mick’s Towing Service Pty Ltd in Carrara, QLD
By Mick's Towing Service Pty Ltd January 15, 2024
This blog aims to simplify and walk you through some important questions to ask a towing company to make an informed decision. Read on to learn more.
Show More