What Does High Engine Oil Pressure Really Mean?
Alright, let’s take a look at high oil pressure – the kind of thing that can really ruin your day if you don’t sort it out early. You might be driving up Peachgrove Road in Hamilton East or heading through Te Rapa in winter with the fog rolling in and suddenly spot the oil pressure gauge creeping up, or get a warning light on. High oil pressure can be bad news for your engine, whether you’re driving a Honda Jazz, a Mazda Demio, or even something a bit different like a SsangYong Tivoli or a Skoda Kodiaq.
What actually happens is your engine’s oil isn’t flowing as it should. Maybe it’s getting backed up, or the pressure’s just too high. Ignore it and you risk blowing seals, doing bearing damage, or even proper engine failure. We see this plenty, especially with how stop-start traffic is on Victoria Street or in the middle of Dinsdale’s roundabouts during school pick-up.
How Do You Know If It’s High Oil Pressure?
First up, most cars have a simple oil pressure gauge right there on the dash (some newer Euro or Asian models will just fire up a warning light). If you spot the needle shooting up higher than normal or see a red oil can symbol, don’t ignore it.
Here are some telltale signs you might notice, whether you’re in a Toyota Corolla or a Mitsubishi Outlander, or even buzzing around on a hybrid Prius:
- Warning light flashes up on the dash
- Loud ticking or knocking noises from under the bonnet
- Mysterious oil leaks showing up on your driveway or garage floor
- Noticing you’re using more fuel than usual
- Harder to start up the engine, especially on cold winter mornings out in Rototuna or Tamahere
Any of these ring a bell? Best to get it checked quick smart. High oil pressure isn’t one of those things that sorts itself out on its own.
Main Reasons We See High Oil Pressure in the Workshop
An oil relief valve.
Sticky or faulty relief valve – We see this a lot, especially on older Daihatsus or the odd European like a Peugeot. That relief valve is meant to let oil move through when it needs to, but if it gets stuck shut, oil gets trapped and pressure climbs fast. Sort that straight away or risk expensive damage.
Wrong or dodgy oil – Maybe you got an oil change at a mate’s garage in Morrinsville and they chucked in oil that’s too thick, or just not right for your Suzuki Swift or Volkswagen Golf. That’ll push pressure up fast. Always check your manual and pick the right oil type.
Blocked oil passages – Years of Hamilton city driving, all those Matarangi dust clouds and urban potholes can be rough on engines. Sometimes sludge or gunk blocks the oil’s path – we had a Subaru Forester in last week with exactly that.
Faulty oil pressure sensor/sending unit – Could be the sensor lying to you. We’ve seen this on all sorts, from Nissans to Hyundais. Reading too high, but not actually a true high pressure situation.
Getting Your Oil Pressure Sorted in Hamilton
If you’re anywhere around Hamilton or out as far as Cambridge, Ngaruawahia or Gordonton and spot any of these signs, swing past Grimmer Motors. One of our techs can plug in, inspect your engine and oil system, and suss out what’s actually going on. We use the proper gear, replace what needs sorting, and make sure you’re good as gold – no nasty surprises while heading over the speed bumps in Hillcrest or pulling onto State Highway 3.
We handle all sorts – whether you’re after routine car service Hamilton, prepping for your WOF Hamilton, or have a hybrid repair on your Nissan Leaf, we’re your local. Got questions or want it looked at sooner rather than later? Give us a bell, or just book online.