The oil pump is one of the most critical components in your vehicle's engine. It ensures proper lubrication of engine parts, reducing friction and preventing overheating. A failing oil pump can quickly lead to severe engine damage, and yet, the symptoms often go unnoticed until it's too late.
At Ningbo Huizhan Automotive Technology Co., Ltd., we specialize in producing OE-quality and custom oil pumps for brands like Jaguar Land Rover, BMW, VW, ISUZU, PSA, and Volvo, ensuring performance, reliability, and durability. In this article, we'll break down the five most common warning signs that your oil pump may need replacing—and what to do next.
What It Means
The car oil pump's primary function is to maintain sufficient oil pressure to ensure all engine components are properly lubricated. When the pump begins to fail, it may not generate enough pressure, leading to inadequate oil circulation.
How to Spot It
Dashboard Indicator: Most modern vehicles are equipped with an oil pressure warning light, often depicted as an oil can. If this light comes on, it's a clear sign of low oil pressure.
Oil Pressure Gauge: If your car has an oil pressure gauge, you may notice readings that are consistently below normal levels.
Why It Happens
A worn or damaged car oil pumps may struggle to circulate oil effectively due to internal issues such as clogged gears or worn bearings. This can result in insufficient lubrication, increasing wear on engine parts like bearings, camshafts, and crankshafts.
What to Do
Check Oil Level: Use the dipstick to verify your oil level. If it's below the minimum mark, add the recommended oil type and check if the warning light goes off.
Persistent Issue: If the oil level is normal but the warning light or low pressure persists, the oil pump is likely the culprit. Stop driving and have your vehicle inspected immediately to prevent further damage.
What It Means
A failing oil pump can cause the engine to produce unusual noises, such as knocking, ticking, or whining, due to insufficient lubrication. These sounds indicate that metal components are rubbing against each other without adequate oil.
Types of Noises
Knocking: Often a sign that bearings or other internal components are not properly lubricated, leading to metal-to-metal contact.
Ticking: Typically originates from the valve train, such as hydraulic lifters or pushrods, when they lack sufficient oil.
Whining/Whirring: May indicate that the oil pump itself is damaged, with worn gears or bearings producing noise, especially noticeable at idle.
Why It Happens
Without proper oil flow, engine components experience increased friction, leading to wear and noise. In severe cases, this can cause permanent damage to critical parts.
What to Do
Immediate Action: If you hear any unusual noises from the engine, especially when running, do not continue driving. Continuing to operate the vehicle can exacerbate damage.
Professional Inspection: Have a mechanic diagnose the issue to determine if the oil pump or another component is at fault.
What It Means
The oil pump plays a crucial role in dissipating heat by circulating oil through the engine. A failing pump can lead to increased friction between moving parts, causing the engine to overheat.
How to Spot It
Temperature Warning Light: A dashboard light indicating high engine temperature is a key sign.
Physical Signs: You may notice steam or smoke from the engine compartment or feel excessive heat when near the engine (exercise caution).
Performance Issues: The engine may feel sluggish or lose power due to overheating.
Why It Happens
Inadequate oil circulation increases friction, generating excess heat that the cooling system cannot manage. This can lead to warped components or engine seizure if not addressed.
What to Do
Pull Over Safely: If your engine overheats, pull over immediately and turn off the engine to prevent further damage.
Check Coolant: Verify coolant levels, but note that overheating due to a failing oil pump won't be resolved by adding coolant alone.
Tow to Mechanic: Have the vehicle towed to a repair shop for a thorough inspection of the lubrication system.
What It Means
The oil pressure warning light is a direct indicator of low oil pressure, often caused by a failing oil pump. This light alerts you when oil pressure drops below a safe threshold, putting your engine at risk.
How to Spot It
Dashboard Light: The light, typically shaped like an oil can and red in color, will illuminate. Some vehicles may also display a warning message or emit a chime.
Intermittent or Constant: The light may flicker initially but become constant as the issue worsens.
Why It Happens
The oil pump may be unable to maintain adequate pressure due to wear, damage, or internal blockages. This can also be triggered by related issues, such as a faulty oil pressure sensor, but the pump is a common cause.
What to Do
Verify Oil Level: Check the oil level using the dipstick. If it's full and the light remains on, the oil pump is a likely suspect.
Stop Driving: Do not ignore this warning, as it indicates a serious risk to your engine. Have the vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic immediately.
What It Means
A failing oil pump can disrupt the engine's ability to start or cause it to stall during operation. This occurs because the engine relies on oil pressure to function properly, including for components like the fuel system in some vehicles.
How to Spot It
Cranking Without Starting: The engine may crank but fail to start.
Stalling: The engine may start but die shortly after, or stall while driving, especially at low speeds.
Rough Idling: You may notice the engine running unevenly or losing power.
Why It Happens
Low oil pressure can prevent critical components from operating correctly, particularly during startup when oil pressure is essential. In severe cases, it may cut off fuel delivery, causing the engine to stall.
What to Do
Check Other Systems: Ensure the battery and fuel system are functioning, but if other signs of oil pump failure are present, suspect the pump.
Professional Diagnosis: Have the vehicle towed to a mechanic for a comprehensive inspection, as driving with this issue can cause further damage.
To minimize the risk of oil pump failure, consider the following maintenance practices:
Regular Oil Changes: Change your oil and filter every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, or as recommended by your vehicle manufacturer, to prevent sludge buildup.
Use the Correct Oil: Always use the oil grade specified in your owner's manual to ensure proper lubrication.
Monitor Oil Levels: Check your oil level monthly to catch leaks or low levels early.
Listen for Noises: Pay attention to any new or unusual engine sounds and address them promptly.
Professional Inspections: Have your vehicle inspected regularly by a certified mechanic to detect potential issues before they escalate.
At Ningbo Huizhan Automotive Technology Co., Ltd., we produce engine oil pumps engineered to match or exceed OE performance standards. Every pump undergoes rigorous on-vehicle testing—not just bench testing—to ensure:
Optimal oil pressure delivery
Heat and wear resistance
Extended service life under real conditions
We manufacture oil pumps for:
Jaguar Land Rover
Volkswagen (VW)
BMW
ISUZU
GWM
CHERY
PSA/DPCA
Volvo
1. Can you drive with a bad oil pump?
No. Driving with a failing oil pump can result in total engine failure. If you suspect an issue, stop driving and consult a professional.
2. How long does an oil pump last?
Most oil pumps last the lifetime of the vehicle, but issues can occur as early as 60,000 to 100,000 miles, depending on maintenance, oil quality, and vehicle usage.
3 .Is replacing an oil pump expensive?
The cost varies by model but includes both parts and significant labor. Replacing the pump early can save thousands in engine repairs.
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