Oil Light Comes On When Braking: Why & What To Do - Vehicle Freak

• Matija Pinko

Updated on September 14, 2022

If you’ve ever experienced your oil light coming on when you brake, you know how scary it can be. It’s hard to know what to do in that situation, and it’s easy to feel panicked.

Low oil levels, a dirty or clogged oil filter, and leaks can all cause an engine oil light to come on when you brake. You should check your oil level and add more if required, clean or replace your oil filter as necessary, and look for any leaks to solve the problem.

If you’ve followed all of the above steps and still have problems, it’s time to bring your car in for a professional inspection.

In this blog post, we will discuss the reasons why your oil light comes on when you brake, and we will also offer some advice on what to do if this happens to you.

How Do Brakes Work?

Brakes are one of the most important safety features in cars. In this guide, we will look at how brakes work and how they keep you safe while driving.

The basic principle of how brakes work is simple – there are two pads or disks that press against the brake rotor or drum to bring the vehicle to a halt.

Once you press your foot on the brake pedal, hydraulic fluid is forced through pipes to activate pistons which push out against the pads (or disks). This action causes friction between the pads/disks and rotors/drums, which slows down and eventually stops your car.

While the basic principle of how brakes work is quite straightforward, there are a number of different types of brakes that use different methods to achieve the same result.

The most common type of brake is the disc brake, which uses a caliper (a device that holds the brake pads) to press two pads against a spinning disc (or rotor). Disc brakes are more effective than drum brakes at dissipating heat, so they are often used on high-performance cars.

Another type of brake is the drum brake, which uses a shoe (an arc-shaped piece of metal) to press against the inside surface of a spinning drum. Drum brakes are less effective than disc brakes at dissipating heat, but they are often used on heavy-duty vehicles such as trucks and buses.

One final type of brake is the regenerative brake, which uses the electric motor to generate electricity that is used to slow down the car. Regenerative brakes are most commonly found on hybrid and electric cars.

No matter what type of brake you have, they all work by using friction to slow down or stop your car. The next time you press your foot on the brake pedal, remember how important this safety feature is and how it works to keep you safe on the road.

Oil Light Comes on When Braking: Why & What to Do

If your oil light comes on when you’re braking, it’s most likely due to low oil pressure. This can be caused by a variety of things, such as a dirty oil filter, worn-out engine parts, or even a loose oil fill cap.

If you’re not sure what’s causing the problem, it’s best to take your car to a mechanic so they can diagnose and fix the issue. In the meantime, here are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the problem:

1. Check your oil level and add more if necessary. Low oil levels can cause the oil light to come on, so this is an easy fix. Just be sure to check your car’s owner’s manual for the correct type and amount of oil to add.
2. Clean or replace your oil filter. A dirty oil filter can restrict oil flow, leading to low oil pressure. If you’re not sure how to do this, your car’s owner’s manual should have instructions, or you can take it to a mechanic.
3. Check for leaks. If you see any oil leaking from your car, that could be the cause of the low oil pressure. Be sure to have any leaks fixed as soon as possible by a mechanic.

How to Check Oil Level?

It is important to check your oil level regularly to ensure that your car is running smoothly. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to check the oil level:

1. Park your car on a level surface and turn off the engine.
2. Locate the dipstick under the hood of your car. It is usually labeled with “oil” or “engine oil.”
3. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it clean with a rag.
4. Insert the dipstick back into the engine and push it all the way in.
5. Pull out the dipstick again and check the oil level. If it is below the “low” mark, add more oil until it reaches the “full” mark.
6. Repeat this process regularly to ensure that your car’s oil level is always at the optimal level. If you are unsure of how much oil to add, consult your vehicle’s owner manual or talk to a mechanic for advice.

If you notice any unusual engine noises, leaks, or other signs that your oil level is low, it is important to take your car to a mechanic right away. Low oil levels can cause damage to your engine over time and lead to costly repairs, so it is essential to address the issue as soon as possible.

With proper care and regular maintenance, however, you can keep your car running smoothly for many years to come.

How to Replace Oil?

1. Park your car on a level surface and apply the parking brake. If your car has an automatic transmission, shift it into “park” or “neutral.”
2. Find the brake fluid reservoir under your hood, which is typically marked with a label that says “brake fluid” or “master cylinder.” The reservoir will likely be made of clear plastic so that you can easily see the level of fluid inside.
3. Remove the cap from the brake fluid reservoir using your fingers or a wrench, depending on how tight it is secured. Some caps may have a rubber seal around them, so be sure to remove this as well.
4. Check the level of brake fluid in the reservoir and make sure it isn’t below the “low” or “minimum” line. If it is, use a turkey baster or syringe to remove some of the fluid and replace it with fresh brake fluid. Keep in mind that old brake fluid can damage your car’s braking system, so never add water or any other fluid to the reservoir.
5. Once you have added more brake fluid as needed, reinstall the cap on the reservoir and wipe away any excess fluid from the area using rags or paper towels.
6. To begin replacing your brake fluid, first, locate the bleed screws on each wheel cylinder near your tires (the location will vary depending on your vehicle). Use a wrench to loosen these screws slightly and allow air to enter the cylinders as you pump new brake fluid into them.
7. Test your brakes after adding new brake fluid to each wheel cylinder by gently pressing down on the pedal and releasing it a few times. The pedal should feel firm and responsive, and you should hear no strange noises or vibrations as you press down on it.
8. If there are any leaks from the bleed screws, tighten them back up using your wrench, then check again to make sure that your brakes are functioning properly before driving your car. Regularly replacing your brake fluid according to the recommended schedule can help improve brake performance and prevent damage to your vehicle’s braking system over time.

What Tools Do You Need to Replace Oil Filter?

There are a few basic tools that you will need to replace an oil filter on your car. These include:

1. Wrenches or sockets in various sizes, including standard and metric sizes
2. An oil filter wrench, which is designed specifically for removing oil filters
3. A funnel to help you add new engine oil once the old filter has been removed
4. Rags or paper towels for wiping down the area and cleaning up any spills or leaks
5. New engine oil of the correct grade and viscosity for your vehicle’s engine
6. If possible, it can be helpful to have a lift or jack stands to make accessing the oil filter easier and safer.

How to Replace Oil Filter?

1. Park your car on a level surface and engage the parking brake. If your car has an automatic transmission, put it into “park” or “neutral.”
2. Remove the engine oil cap from the top of your engine to reveal the oil filter, then use a wrench or socket to loosen and remove it.
3. Place a large pan with a few paper towels under the oil filter to catch any old oil as you remove it, then use an oil filter wrench to loosen and remove the old filter completely.
4. Use a funnel to pour fresh engine oil into your engine through the opening where you removed the old filter, taking care not to overfill it (there should be markings on your dipstick or filler cap indicating what the correct level should be).
5. Use a clean rag to wipe away any excess oil or drips from your engine, then replace the engine oil cap and tighten it securely.
6. Test the level of oil in your engine by removing the cap once more and checking the level on the dipstick. Add more oil as needed until the level is at or near the top of the dipstick markings, then replace the cap securely.
7. Start your car and check for leaks around your filter or filler cap before driving it normally.

You may also want to have an oil change performed by a professional mechanic as part of routine maintenance for your car’s engine. Replacing an oil filter can help improve engine performance, reduce wear and tear on your engine, and help prevent costly damage over time.

How to Solve Leaks?

If you notice any leaks after replacing your oil filter, the first thing to do is to check that the filter is tightened correctly. If it is, then the next step is to check for any other damage or issues around the area where the filter is located.

This may include a cracked housing, a loose gasket, or damaged threads. In some cases, it may be necessary to replace the entire assembly if there is significant damage.

If you are unable to identify and fix the problem yourself, it’s important to take your car to a qualified mechanic as soon as possible so they can diagnose and repair any underlying issues. Continuing to drive with an oil leak can cause serious damage to your engine and should be avoided whenever possible.

FAQs

How Often Should You Replace Oil?

You should replace your engine oil every 5000 miles or so, depending on the type of oil you are using and the recommendations in your car’s owner’s manual. It is also a good idea to check your oil level regularly and top it off as needed to keep it at the correct level.

Should You Replace Your Oil Filter When You Replace Oil?

Yes, it is generally recommended that you replace your oil filter whenever you change your engine oil. This will help ensure that your new oil is clean and free of debris from the old oil.

Replacing your oil filter is a relatively easy task that you can often do yourself, but you may need to take your car to a mechanic if you are not comfortable doing it.

Are Engine Oil and Brake Fluid the Same?

No, engine oil and brake fluid are not the same. Engine oil is a lubricant that helps keep your engine components moving smoothly and prevents them from overheating. Brake fluid is a hydraulic fluid that helps transfer force from your brake pedal to your brakes themselves. You should never mix these two fluids together.

What Happens If My Car Runs out of Oil?

If your car runs out of oil, it can cause serious damage to your engine. The lack of lubrication will cause the engine parts to rub together and create friction, which can lead to overheating and eventually seizure.

If your car does run out of oil, you should have it towed to a mechanic as soon as possible so they can assess the damage and make any necessary repairs.

What Happens If I Put Wrong Oil in Car?

If you put the wrong oil in your car, it can cause damage to your engine and may void your warranty. It is important to check your owner’s manual to find out what type of oil is recommended for your car.

You should also make sure that you are using the correct viscosity (thickness) of oil. Using the wrong viscosity of oil can also cause damage to your engine.

How Do I Know If My Oil Filter Is Dirty?

If your oil filter is dirty, it will be dark in color and may have debris or sludge inside it. You can usually tell if a filter is dirty just by looking at it. If you are unsure, you can always take it to a mechanic and they can inspect it for you.

What Are the Symptoms of a Bad Oil Filter?

If your oil filter is bad, it can cause a variety of problems with your engine, including decreased fuel economy, increased emissions, and engine knock. A bad oil filter can also cause your engine to overheat or seize up completely.

If you think your oil filter may be bad, you should take your car to a mechanic so they can diagnose the problem.

Conclusion

There are a variety of factors that can cause an oil light to turn on when you are braking, including low oil levels, a dirty or clogged oil filter, and leaks.

To troubleshoot the problem, you should check your oil level and add more if necessary, clean or replace your oil filter, and check for any leaks. If these steps do not resolve the issue, it is best to have your car inspected by a mechanic.

Here are some other related topics you may want to read:

Oil Light Comes On But Oil Is Full: Causes & Fixes

Why Is Your Low Oil Pressure Light On? (How to Fix It)

Driving With a Bad Oil Pressure Sensor – Is It Safe?