Dacia Oil pressure warning light in car: stop engine at once

Who: you, as soon as the oil pressure warning light comes on while driving with the urgent stop light and a beep. How: pull over safely as soon as traffic allows, cut the ignition right away, and set the windscreen wiper stalk to the park position before opening the bonnet, bearing in mind that the engine may be hot and the cooling fan may start at any moment. Result that matters: preventing the Sandero engine from running with a lubrication alert and preparing a safe under-bonnet check. If you are parked on level ground: leave the engine switched off for some time so the oil drains back before reading the dipstick. If you had to stop on a slope or an unsafe spot: do not rely on a sloped dipstick reading and call roadside assistance from a safe place. Evidence to keep: time, mileage and a photo of the cluster before cutting the ignition once stationary.

Who: you, with the car on level ground and the ignition switched off. How: remove the dipstick, wipe it with a clean lint-free cloth, push it in as far as it will go (or on vehicles with a 'cap-dipstick' C, screw the cap in completely), remove it again and check the level between 'minimum' mark A and 'maximum' mark B. Result that matters: seeing whether the oil has dropped below mark A or sits within the normal range. If the level is normal between marks A and B: do not restart the engine; Dacia says the warning light is related to something else and you must call an approved dealer. If the level exceeds the 'maximum' mark B: do not start your vehicle under any circumstances (risk of damaging the engine and emission control system) and contact an approved dealer. Evidence to keep: photo of the dipstick tip showing the oil line against marks A and B.

Who: you, only if the level was low and you have the grade specified in the maintenance document, with the engine stopped and cold on level ground. How: loosen cap 1, use a funnel or protect the filling neck area so no oil escapes onto hot parts or electrical components (fire hazard), top up bearing in mind that the capacity between 'min' and 'max' on dipstick 2 is 1.5 to 2 litres (0.33 to 0.44 gal) depending on the engine, wait about 20 minutes for the oil to flow, then recheck with the dipstick and refit both cap and dipstick. Result that matters: restoring the oil level between marks A and B without overfilling or spilling oil on hot parts. If the level sits between A and B after 20 minutes but the warning light returns: switch the engine off immediately and call an approved dealer. If you notice an abnormal or repeated drop in level or consumption above 0.5 litre per 1,000 km after running in: book an inspection with an approved dealer. Evidence to keep: oil grade used, approximate amount added and the dipstick reading after waiting 20 minutes.