Oil Warning Light on Car Dashboard: What Do the Colors Mean and What Should You Do?
Sep 19, 2025
If you are a car owner, you’ve probably seen the oil warning light flash on your dashboard at some point. This small icon, shaped like an oil can, can appear in red, yellow/amber, or sometimes blue/green. Each color carries a different message about the health of your engine. Ignoring it could lead to costly repairs.
In this article, we’ll explain the meaning of oil light colors, what problems they indicate, what you should do immediately, and the expected cost of repairs.
🔴 Red Oil Warning Light – Stop Immediately
Meaning: The red oil light means your car has low oil pressure or no oil circulation.
Causes:
Extremely low oil level
Faulty oil pump
Serious oil leak
Clogged oil filter
Action: Stop the car safely, switch off the engine, and check the oil level. If adding oil doesn’t help, call for roadside assistance or a nearby car service in Hungary.
🟡 Yellow/Amber Oil Light – Warning, Take Action Soon
Meaning: A caution signal that the oil level is low or that it’s time for an oil change.
Causes:
Normal oil consumption
Minor leaks
Oil change overdue
Action: Check your oil level with the dipstick and top up if necessary. If the light stays on, book a car service for oil change and inspection.
🔵 / 🟢 Blue or Green Oil Light – Informational
Meaning: Less common, but some modern cars use this to indicate cold oil or that the system is active.
Action: Let the engine warm up before driving at higher speeds. No urgent repair is needed.
💡 What Car Owners Should Do
Check your oil level regularly to prevent issues.
Top up or change oil when the warning light appears.
Do not drive with a red oil light on – it can destroy your engine.
Book professional service if the warning doesn’t go away.
💰 Expected Repair Costs in Hungary
Oil top-up: 5,000 – 15,000 HUF
Oil + filter change: 20,000 – 40,000 HUF
Oil sensor replacement: 15,000 – 30,000 HUF
Oil pump / engine damage: 150,000 HUF – 500,000+ HUF
👉 As you can see, reacting early saves money. A simple oil top-up costs only a few thousand forints, but ignoring the warning could lead to an engine rebuild.
🚗 Book Car Service Easily Across Hungary
Don’t risk costly breakdowns! Take care of your car with professional help.
✅ Schedule booking to car services all around Hungary with Ndru.
👉 Download the app here and join 10,000 car owners already keeping their cars safe and reliable.
