Is 40 PSI Oil Pressure Good?: Everything You Should Know

A proper oil pressure ensures that the oil reaches each and every part of the engine. It makes sure that the engine performs smoothly all the time and gets proper longevity. But then again, what should be the proper oil pressure for the vehicle? Is 40 PSI oil pressure good?

It depends a lot on the vehicle’s brand and model. But generally, 40 PSI of oil pressure can be considered good. It will work in a positive manner for most of the cars and will keep the engine in good shape. As a matter of fact, for most semi-trucks, 40–45 PSI is normal.

In this article, I have broken down everything you need to know about oil pressure for engines. So have a read from top to bottom; I assure you it will be beneficial.

Let’s start the ride!

Why is Oil Pressure so Important?

Oil pressure plays a vital role in the engines. The engine will be lubricated properly only if there is a balanced oil pressure.

Without having a proper oil pressure, your engines just won’t function perfectly. 

Again, engines can be complicated. To run this complicated machine, you need oil to reach each and everywhere of its parts. That’s where oil pressure plays its part. 

A proper oil pressure ensures that the oil gets to all the points where it is necessary. It makes certain that the oil passes through the narrow areas and helps all the parts to get lubricated. Confirming that the engine can perform at its best. 

If there is low or high oil pressure, then it can affect the engine’s internals badly. It can lead up to engine failure as well. 

So have an extra eye on the oil pressure. Do not take it lightly. If you face high or low oil pressure, get any kind of indication, then try to fix it as soon as possible by yourself or by taking it for maintenance.. 

Is 40 PSI Oil Pressure Good (Detailed Breakdown) 

The ideal oil pressure should remain between 25 and 65 PSI (pounds per square inch). So the first thing you should do is keep the oil pressure above 25 PSI and below 65 PSI.

40 or 45 PSI, being in the exact average position of the ideal number, should be absolutely fine for your vehicle. It works and goes well with the engines.

It is said that at idle and from 310 to 482 kPA, the oil pressure is between 40 and 70 psi. Also, if you are using a semi-truck, it is most likely that the oil pressure is between 40 and 45 PSI.

So, you have nothing to worry about. But if the PSI gets below 15 or is higher than 80, then it is considered risky for the engine. Don’t let it drive this much lower or higher respectfully.

I had a high oil pressure problem with my chevy 5.3 Vortec. It was 80+ maybe. Trust me on this one, it was not a good experience at all!

30 PSI oil pressure isn’t bad either. So if it doesn’t stay around 40 or 50, there’s nothing to worry about. At the operating level of temperature, getting a 30 PSI oil pressure is quite normal.

Oil pressure varies with brands, engine types, temperatures, etc. But here’s a simple tip: Have a look at the needle position on the oil pressure gauge. If it stays in the middle, then you are good to continue. 

However, if you’re still in doubt, you can always take it to a mechanic. 

Hope you got a good idea about it. Now check the causes of low & high oil pressure and how you can solve it. 

Causes and Solutions for Low oil pressure

Oil pressure becomes lower when the engine heats up. Low oil pressure can be troublesome. It will create overheating, wear and different damage issues. So if you get anything lower than 20 PSI, you have got a big problem in your hand.

Here are some of the reasons why your car’s engine might have low oil pressure(Don’t worry, the solutions are there too). 

• Low Oil Level

This is one of the most popular reasons for low oil pressure. When the oil level drops below the dripstick line the oil pump will fail to pump enough oil. 

Solution- First check for leaks. Solve if there are any leakage issues. After that check the oil level. If the oil level is low, fill it up totally. 

• Poor Maintenance

Poor maintenance can also cause low oil pressure. If you are irregular in oil change, then the engine might get low oil pressure at idle. 

Solution- Simple. Improve the maintenance work.

• Viscosity Problem

This is another big reason. Usually, in cold temperatures, low viscosity is used and higher viscosity is used for hot temperatures. If the oil viscosity isn’t right, then the car might face a low oil pressure problem. 

Using the wrong oil can cause serious trouble for the engine.

Solution- Check the owner’s manual or take help from the manufacturer company to get a good idea about the oil you should use. 

• Oil Pressure gauge is defective

Sometimes there might be a problem with the pressure gauge. So it will show you wrong information. Showings of incorrect oil pressure can cause you problems in the long run.

Solution- Fix the oil pressure gauge. 

Causes and solutions for High oil pressure 

Just like the low oil pressure, high oil pressure results in damage for the engines as well. Here are the causes and solutions of high oil pressure:

• Engine is Cold

If the engine oil is cold, then it will show that there is high oil pressure. It is one of the most common reasons. 

Solution- When the engine oil is hot try to check your oil pressure. If it stays the same, quickly show a mechanic.

• Oil Filter

Many people do not know this, but because of oil filters, you can get high oil pressure as well. Oil filters can do its job perfectly well and create resistance in that area. Sometimes resulting in high oil pressure. 

Solution- Use good oil filters from time to time. 

• Clogged Passage

Blockage in the passage of oils can result in high oil pressure. The blockage can be created if the oil changing isn’t done properly. 

Solution- Use the best possible oil for you engine, cause you know – oils are the blood of the engine. Also, change the oils accurately. If you are having problems changing it, waste no time and take it to a mechanic.

Final Thought

As you have already understood, you can always consider a normal 40 PSI oil pressure as a good option. Try not to let the oil pressure get too low or too high by taking the above measures.

We hope this article was actually useful to you. If you have any queries or suggestions, don’t forget to reach out to us.

Till then, Drive Safe!