Final answer:
Low oil pressure together with high oil temperature could signal an issue with oil viscosity or with engine components like the oil pump. Thinner oil at high temperatures can't maintain adequate lubrication, which might lead to engine damage. It's crucial to use the correct oil and maintain engine parts to prevent such issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
A possible indication of low oil pressure together with high oil temperature in an automobile engine could be an issue with the oil's viscosity. As motor oil heats up, it tends to become less viscous. This can result in a reduced ability to maintain oil pressure within the engine's lubrication system. Conversely, when oil is cold, its viscosity is higher and therefore it exerts more pressure. The viscosity of oil is critical as it must lubricate effectively over a wide temperature range, from very cold conditions to the extreme temperatures seen during engine operations, like those that might be experienced in the Mojave Desert.
Thin, hot oil may fail to provide adequate lubrication, resulting in metal-to-metal contact within engine components. This can lead to increased wear and potentially severe engine damage. Consequently, if a vehicle exhibits low oil pressure and high oil temperature, it may suggest an oil that is too thin due to high engine temperatures or due to degradation of the oil's properties. It might also indicate a mechanical issue such as a failing oil pump, blocked oil filter, or oil leak in the engine.
In terms of practical application, this knowledge of viscosity is crucial for ensuring that engines are using the correct type of oil for the conditions in which they are operated, and for engineering engine components and lubrication systems that can maintain performance across a spectrum of temperatures and conditions.