Rep Power: 0

Hi, I'm a new Civic owner. Actually, I just got a 1998 Civic DX (with 126k miles on it) as my very first car. I love it. I hope it's not having any major problems. Here goes:

Last night, as I was turning off my car after a 10-15 min drive, the engine (i presume?) made a funny noise and the "Low Oil Pressure" light lit up. The sound and light only lasted about half a second because, as I said, it happened right as I was turning the key to turn it off. I freaked out and turned the car back on to see if the light would still be on. All the dash lights lit up for half a second like normal and then turned off as the engine started up. No weird noises. I turned it off and then researched the internet about low oil pressure. Now I'm afraid I'll need a new engine because of worn bearings or something I waited about an hour and checked the oil last night, and it was clean and within the maximum/minimum marks. (Actually it was at the maximum mark, I don't know if that had to do with the engine still being slightly warm.)

I drove the car to and from school today and my car acted totally normal, no noises and no lights. I hope it was just a weird malfunction as the car was turning off? I don't know much about cars, I'm just an 18 y/o girl.

One more thing: A few days after I bought the car, I noticed that everytime after I drove it, a metalic box thing (? oil pan?) underneath the car was moist and dropped a couple drops of oil on the concrete. Maybe two drops about an inch in diameter at most. I'm pretty sure it's oil. Could this have anything to do with the oil pressure? Still, like I said, the oil in the car isn't low.

I really hope I didn't buy a bad car and waste my money. The used car inspection didn't mention any engine problems, but I'm sure problems are missed sometimes. Can anybody tell me common problems that could turn the oil pressure light on? Thank you for your help.

 
Rep Power: 813

i would not worry about the oil light unless it comes on while the engine is running (if it does, turn the car off immediately if you can safely do so, otherwise the engine is toast). when you turn the car off, there may have just been a delay when the engine shut off but the power was still on to the indicator lights. as for the small leak, there is no way to tell where its coming from unless you can see the start of the drip. it could just be a leak from the oil drain plug or from an engine seal. its hard to say if its serious without getting under the car to check. but for now, there should not be a problem so long as you are keeping the oil level filled. that is, assuming the drip is engine oil. could also be brake fluid or transmission fluid. see if you can look around the engine bay with the hood open and spot any leaks.

 
Rep Power: 0

Hi, thanks for the reply. I won't worry about it unless it comes on again. I drove to school again today and it didn't come on so I hope I won't see it again.

On the other hand, a new issue is bothering me haha. Today it was raining pretty hard, and when I was in class my car sat in the rain. When I drove it again later (it was still raining), a weird squealing noise came from the brakes whenever I slowed down and made a turn...after about a mile it stopped. Is this normal, or is this another potential problem? :/ It hasn't made that noise before but I've only driven like twice in the rain and it never sat in the rain for long periods of time.

 
Rep Power: 368

just a thin rust coating that forms in any brakes, is my guess.

 
Rep Power: 813

yeah normal. once you use the brakes and it sands them down again to a smooth surface, squeaking will stop. i wouldnt worry.

 
Rep Power: 0

Thanks for the answers! I drove it again tonight, no more squealing.