Oil Gauge

One of your car's most important measuring devices is the oil gauge. It lets you know the pressure in the oil pump; it is a direct indicator of the "survivability" of your engine. If the oil gauge gives very low readings, it means that your oil pressure has dropped. When the oil pressure drops, the oil is not forced into the nooks and crannies that it needs to visit, and your engine soon grinds to a halt. Some cars don't have oil gauges; instead they have warning (or "idiot") lights that light up when the oil pressure drops below a certain preset threshold. Since the light doesn't come on until the oil pressure is extremely low, it is a good idea to check the light bulb often; it's the only thing standing between you and a "Post Toastie" engine.