Which component can affect the oil pressure reading in a vehicle?

The component that can significantly affect the oil pressure reading in a vehicle is the condition of the oil filter. The oil filter is responsible for removing contaminants from the engine oil, which helps maintain oil flow and pressure throughout the engine. If the oil filter becomes clogged or is in poor condition, it can restrict oil flow. This restriction can lead to a decrease in oil pressure, which would be reflected in the oil pressure gauge reading on the dashboard.

While a gauge on the dashboard displays the oil pressure, it does not directly influence the actual pressure itself. It merely represents the pressure readings from the system, which are influenced by factors such as oil viscosity, oil temperature, pump performance, and, importantly, the condition of the oil filter. This makes the condition of the oil filter a critical component that actively affects oil pressure readings, rather than simply measuring it.