Here's why this is so serious and what you should do:
* Flashing Oil Light: This indicates critically low oil pressure. The engine is not getting sufficient lubrication, leading to excessive friction and potential seizure. This is a major mechanical failure waiting to happen.
* Oil Leak: This is the likely *cause* of the low oil pressure. The leak is depleting the oil supply, resulting in the flashing light. The leak could be from anywhere in the engine or transmission.
What to do immediately:
1. Stop driving the car immediately. Do not even attempt to move it unless it's to a safe location off the road.
2. Call a tow truck or roadside assistance. Have the car towed to a qualified mechanic.
3. Do not add oil yourself. While it might seem like an obvious solution, adding oil to a leaking engine might not solve the problem and could potentially make things worse. A mechanic needs to diagnose the leak first.
Possible causes of the oil leak (a mechanic will diagnose this):
* Oil pan gasket leak: A common and relatively inexpensive repair.
* Valve cover gasket leak: Another relatively common and often manageable repair.
* Crankshaft seal leak: More involved and potentially expensive repair.
* Oil pump failure: A serious and expensive problem.
* Damaged oil filter: Less likely to cause a major leak, but possible.
* Hole in the oil pan or block: A very serious and expensive problem.
Ignoring this problem will likely result in significant engine damage, leading to costly repairs or even a need for engine replacement. Get it towed to a mechanic as soon as possible.
