Services
Insurance
Repairs
Advice
About

Why is my engine oil temperature too high?

While I was driving home from work yesterday I noticed my oil temperature gauge show that my car’s oil temperature was hotter than normal. The oil light even went on! Do you know why my oil temperature is too high?

avatar
Katherine Duffy · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
We’re sorry to hear you’re having oil temperature problems! Your oil temperature could be too hot for two popular reasons: your engine oil is running low, or your engine has been filled with the wrong type of oil.
Your engine oil helps lubricate your engine to prevent friction and help each of its components run smoothly. When there’s not enough oil, your oil will heat up quickly because of increased friction. This causes your oil to break down and if left running at dangerously high temperatures, can even start an engine fire.
If your engine oil is the wrong viscosity for your engine, it may heat up too quickly and not be able to perform properly.
Bring your car in for service to determine whether you need more oil or a different type of oil, and to make sure your engine hasn’t been damaged from the hot oil temperature.
While you’re changing your oil to keep yourself safe on the roads, consider protecting yourself further by signing up for great
car insurance
coverage at an affordable rate.
Jerry
, the
super app
, can help!
Jerry is your ultra-talented insurance broker. We’ll contact your insurance company to get the details of your current coverage so you don’t have to scale a mountain of questions. The best part? In less than 45 seconds, Jerry provides you with the best prices and coverage on the market.
And Jerry users save an average of $887 a year on car insurance!
View full answer 
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.

Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings