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

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 of pressure is normal range of oil pressure.

Engine oil is circulated through entire engine with the help of a oil pump. Pump develops a pressure that force engine oil to pass through the engine channels. 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?

Why is Oil Pressure so Important?

Oil pressure plays a vital role in the engine performance. The engine will be lubricated properly only if there is a balanced oil pressure. Without having a proper oil pressure, your engines won’t function properly as it moving parts face excessive friction, wear, and extra head buildup.

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) 

It all depends on the factors like engine type, its horse power, cooling needed, etc but 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.

Engine oil pressure also depends on the running condition of the engine. During idling most car manufacturer recommend that engine oil pressure should be around 30 PSI. During high speed driving engine oil pressure can go as high as 60 PSI and during normal driving condition, oil pressure remains at around 40 to 45 PSI.

So, you have nothing to worry about. But if the PSI gets below 25 or is higher than 65, then it is considered risky for the engine. Don’t let it dive this much lower or go this much higher. 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. 

Causes and Solutions for Low oil pressure

Its usual for oil pressure to get lower when the oil heats up and engine speed is reduced. Unusual low oil pressure can be troublesome. It will create overheating, wear and different damage issues. So if you get anything lower than 25 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). 

1. Low Oil Level

This is one of the most common reasons for low oil pressure. When the oil level drops below the dripstick line the oil pump will fail to pump enough oil into the system. This will easly result into low oil pressure and if not treated can cause serious engine problems.

Solution– First check for oil leaks. Solve if there are any leakage issues related to engine oil. After that check the oil level. If the oil level is low, fill it upto the manufacturer recommended level. 

2. Poor Maintenance

Poor maintenance can also cause low oil pressure. If you are irregular in oil change, resulting into engine oil getting too dirty and thick for proper circulation, then this might casue low oil pressure. 

Solution– Simple. Improve the maintenance work and change the engine oil.

3. Viscosity Problem

This is another big reason. Usually, in cold temperatures, low viscosity is used and in hot temperatures, higher viscosity is used for engines. 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. 

4. 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:

1. Engine is Cold

If the engine oil is cold, then it will show that there is a bit high oil pressure. It is one of the most common reasons and usually does not required any solution untill this casue problem in engine starting.

Solution– When the engine oil is hot try to check your oil pressure. If it stays the same, quickly show a mechanic. You can try low viscosity oil in cold weather.

2. Oil Filter

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

Solution– Replace and use good oil filters from time to time. 

3. 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– Do oil change and do engine oil flushing for clearing the blockage.

Final Thought

As you have now 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!