What Is an Oil Temp Sensor and What Does It Do?

An oil temperature sensor is an electronic device located in your vehicle's engine that monitors its oil temperature. This information is then displayed on the oil temperature gauge if your vehicle has one. The oil temp sensor will be activated as long as your vehicle is running. Ideally, the temperature of your vehicle's engine oil should be a few degrees warmer than your vehicle's coolant. If your engine's oil gets too hot, this could cause major problems to your vehicle, including engine failure. In order to prevent your vehicle's oil from getting too hot, getting an oil change regularly is important. We have more information on this below.

How Often Should I Come in for an Oil Change Service?

We know that Chico residents want to take good care of their cars, and a crucial way to do that is to get a regular LOF (lube, oil, and filter) change. Oil change frequency varies based on OEM and NorCal conditions. Although older vehicles may need an oil change every three months or 3,000 miles, the changes in modern engine design and manufacturing have created the need for better-quality oil that lasts longer before viscosity breakdown. 

The type of engine oil, your driving habits, and the age and make of your vehicle, whether that be a Toyota, Ford, Chevrolet, Honda, or something else, dictate when to change the engine oil. Contact A & T Auto Care if you are unsure when you need an oil change. Some common oil change intervals are every six months or 7,500 miles (whichever comes first), every 5,000 miles or six months, and every 3,000 miles. A & T Auto Care can help find the correct frequency for your vehicle in Chico, CA, conditions.

How Do I Know If My Oil Temp Sensor Needs to Be Repaired or Replaced?

While oil temp sensors are designed to last for a long time, they tend to wear out over time because they are located in the very hot environment of your vehicle's engine. We proudly serve residents of Chico, CA, Durham, CA, Hamilton City, CA, Magalia, CA, Paradise, CA, and beyond.

Here are some signs to look out for that indicate your oil temp sensor needs to be repaired or replaced:

Your temperature gauge gives you a false reading: If your oil temperature gauge goes from cool to hot in a minute or a few seconds, this means there is something wrong with your oil temp sensor. Engine oil typically takes a few minutes to heat up once you start your vehicle, and this should be reflected in your oil temperature gauge.

Your oil temperature is very hot: If your engine oil is running hot while your coolant temperature remains constant, there is an issue with the oil temp sensor. This could also indicate that your vehicle needs an oil change, which you can get done at A & T Auto Care.

Your temperature gauge does not move: This indicates that your oil temp sensor may have failed and needs to be replaced. Alternatively, you might have a faulty gauge.

Your check engine light turns on: While this could mean a multitude of things, it could indicate that something is wrong with your oil temp sensor.

Your oil pressure light blinks: If this occurs but the oil levels in your vehicle are normal, there is something wrong with your oil temp sensor. 

Your Reliable Shop for Oil Temp Sensor Service

When the time comes to bring your car in for an oil temp sensor service, look no further than A & T Auto Care in Butte. We've been servicing cars since 1996 and offer a cost-effective and efficient service for your vehicle. Our shop offers services such as automotive maintenance, auto repair, and, of course, oil temp sensors.

Our highly skilled technicians will assess the make, model, and year of your vehicle and will recommend the appropriate oil temp sensor for your car. We pride ourselves on our transparency with our services, and we will never recommend something that is not absolutely necessary for your vehicle.

Why Chico Chooses A & T Auto Care:

• State of The Art Digital Inspections
• ASE Certified Technicians
• 24 month/24,000 Mile Warranty
• Electrical troubleshooting experts
• Dealer Alternative for All Makes and Models

If you are in the 95973 area, bring your car to A & T Auto Care today. Schedule an appointment with us online or give us a call at (530) 894-5850. A & T Auto Care - We Don't Just Fix Cars- We Build Trust.