Oil pressure warming light came on while out running errands recently. I drove home (just a few miles) and the car has not been used since. The closest highly-rated mechanic that can work with a VW (I was told they sometimes require special tools) is a 20-minute drive away. They said as long as the oil level is fine, which it is, it would be safe to drive the car to them. But then I talked to a car-savvy friend and did some Internet research, and the general advice seems to be to not drive the car once that light comes on, because you can do major damage to your engine.

So now my confidence in that mechanic’s judgment is wavering, and I started thinking maybe I should take it to the nearest VW dealer instead. Unfortunately the nearest VW dealer is a 45 minute drive away, and they told me they do not recommend driving it that far, and that I should get a tow truck.

That would be a major expense as well as an inconvenience, especially if I end up having to leave the car there. Any advice from people who have dealt with oil pressure warning lights?