Goldwagen Quality Tips Series Episode 11 - Oil Pump

Welcome to Goldwagen’s Quality Tips series, where we
walk you through making the best possible choice in quality parts.

Every car needs oil to function properly, as the oil
lubricates all the moving parts of the system so as to
prevent friction, damage, and corrosion; absorb heat;
and collect dirt and sludge that might cause blockages.
The oil pump is a critical component of getting the oil to
all the moving parts.

Rather than pumping the oil,
though, it functions more like a vacuum, by displacing
the oil to one part and sucking in new oil ready for
dispersion again.

If the oil pump stops working, if a vehicle’s oil runs dry or
leaks out, or if metal or other particles clog up the oil so
that it no longer flows properly, a car can overheat and
the engine can seize up. This can lead to costly repairs.
To prevent this from occurring, any time you spot an oil
leak, your oil pressure gauge is low, or your oil system
warning light shines on the console on the dashboard,
you should get your car checked out and have the oil
pump replaced, if necessary.

Whenever your oil system warning light goes on, stop
driving as soon as is safely possible and call a tow truck.
It can be very dangerous to keep driving, as it can take
mere seconds for your engine to seize when there’s no
lubrication.