Is it OK to drive if the engine oil level is above the maximum?

Question

The oil level warning light came on in my car. At the next services I topped it up with a litre of oil. After completing my journey and when the engine was cold I checked the oil level. The oil level was above the maximum level so I'm guessing I had a dodgy sensor. Do you think it would be ok to continue driving my car or should I get the oil drained down.

Asked by Harlan

Answer

There’s a mark on the dipstick for a reason and overfilling can cause all sorts of potentially costly problems if the oil level is high enough to reach the crank.

The oil light illuminates when the oil pressure is low and this is not only caused by low oil level. Other factors can cause a drop in oil pressure such as a partially blocked oil strainer to the oil pump or a problem with the oil pump drive.

If the light came on and the oil level was OK then we would NOT recommend driving the vehicle until checks have been carried out.

Answered by Edmund King AA President [09/2014]